Allergy to laboratory animals: characterization and source of two major mouse allergens, Ag 1 and Ag 3

Using quantitative immunoelectrophoretic methods, two major allergenic components, Ag 1 and Ag 3, have been identified in extracts of mouse dust. Both antigens were of similar electrophoretic mobility and molecular weight (20-25 kilodaltons). However, Ag 1 proved to be antigenically identical to mouse urinary prealbumin, whilst Ag 3 was shown immunohistochemically to be present within the hair follicle and on the stratum corneum.