Histamine induction and release following proteolytic enzyme exposure

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Proteolytic enzymes, such as subtilisin Carlsberg, are used commercially and can be inhaled.
• Understanding the biological response to enzyme exposure is crucial for occupational safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the mechanism of biologic response to 12% subtilisin Carlsberg preparation.
• To investigate the role of histamine release in guinea pig response to enzyme exposure.

Main Methods:

• Three groups of guinea pigs were pretreated intradermally with subtilisin Carlsberg, Aspergillus oryzae protease, or cotton seed extract.
• Histamine levels in lung, liver, and ear tissues were measured.
• Animals were challenged via intratracheal injection or inhalation exposure to subtilisin Carlsberg.

Main Results:

• Pretreatment with any of the three preparations did not alter baseline histamine levels compared to controls.
• Intratracheal challenge with subtilisin in pretreated animals significantly reduced liver histamine.
• Inhalation exposure to subtilisin in pretreated animals lowered histamine concentrations in lungs and livers.

Conclusions:

• The biologic response to subtilisin Carlsberg involves histamine release in guinea pigs.
• Pretreatment can modulate the histamine response to subsequent subtilisin exposure, suggesting a desensitization mechanism.