Activity units for allergen extracts
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 7, 2026
07:10
Application of Biochip Microfluidic Technology to Detect Serum Allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E (sIgE)
Published on: April 21, 2019
Clinical Allergy
|November 1, 1979
Abstract:
The two present systems of units for the strength of allergen extracts, Noon and p.n.u. are both unsatisfactory. A new activity unit, based on skin prick in humans, is described, and its relationship to in vitro tests is explored. Potency limits for provocation materials used for skin prick tests are suggested.
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02:06Allergic Reactions
Overview
01:26Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
An antigen is any substance the immune system identifies as foreign and potentially harmful to the body, prompting an immune response. Antigens have two functional properties: immunogenicity and reactivity. Immunogenicity is the ability of an antigen to stimulate a specific immune response. At the same time, reactivity describes the antigen's ability to react with the cells and antibodies produced in response to it.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
01:30Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin, heparin),...