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Bronchoprovocation studies in basidiospore-sensitive allergic subjects with asthma
M Lopez1, J R Voigtlander, S B Lehrer
1Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, La 70112.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|August 1, 1989
Summary
Basidiospore extracts can trigger asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals. This study shows that basidiospore allergens can cause bronchospasm in asthmatic patients with specific IgE antibodies.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness.
- Basidiospores are common airborne fungal allergens implicated in allergic respiratory diseases.
- The role of basidiospores in triggering bronchospasm in asthmatic individuals requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bronchoprovocative effects of basidiospore extracts in subjects with asthma.
- To determine if IgE antibodies to basidiospore allergens correlate with asthma exacerbations.
Main Methods:
- Bronchoprovocation challenges were conducted using basidiospore extracts.
- Skin reactivity (wheal-and-flare) and serum IgE levels (RAST) to basidiospore allergens were assessed.
- Pulmonary function, specifically forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), was measured before and after allergen challenge.
Main Results:
- Five out of eight asthmatic subjects with positive skin and RAST reactivity to basidiospores showed significant bronchospasm (20-47% decrease in FEV1).
- Both immediate and late-phase bronchospastic responses were observed.
- Asthmatic control subjects with negative reactivity to basidiospores did not exhibit significant bronchospasm.
Conclusions:
- Basidiospore extracts can induce significant bronchospasm in asthmatic individuals sensitized to these fungal allergens.
- The findings highlight basidiospores as a relevant trigger for asthma exacerbations in susceptible populations.
- This study supports the clinical significance of IgE-mediated responses to basidiospore allergens in asthma.
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