Leukocyte histamine release and humoral changes during oral and subcutaneous hyposensitization of grass pollen allergic children
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Subcutaneous immunotherapy for rye grass hay fever increased IgG antibodies and decreased leukocyte sensitivity. Oral immunotherapy with aqueous pollen extract showed no significant immunological benefits in children.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Immunotherapy
- Pediatric Allergy
Background:
- Seasonal hay fever affects many children, often triggered by grass pollens.
- Rye grass pollen is a common allergen, necessitating effective treatment strategies.
- Hyposensitization aims to reduce allergic responses through controlled allergen exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the immunological effectiveness of subcutaneous versus oral hyposensitization for rye grass hay fever in children.
- To evaluate changes in specific serum IgG-antibodies and leukocyte sensitivity following different immunotherapy routes.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-one children with confirmed rye grass sensitivity underwent preseasonal hyposensitization.
- Two groups received rye grass pollen extract: subcutaneous (40,000 PNU) or oral (400,000 PNU).
- Immunological markers, including serum IgG-antibodies and leukocyte histamine release, were assessed.
Main Results:
- Subcutaneous immunotherapy led to a significant increase in specific serum IgG-antibodies (p < 0.005).
- Leukocyte sensitivity significantly decreased in the subcutaneous group (p < 0.005).
- Oral administration of aqueous pollen extract did not demonstrate comparable immunological effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- Subcutaneous hyposensitization is immunologically effective in children with rye grass hay fever.
- Oral immunotherapy with aqueous rye grass pollen extract appears less effective for inducing immunological changes.
- Further research may be needed to optimize oral immunotherapy protocols for pediatric allergic rhinitis.
Abstract:
Thirty-one children with seasonal hay fever, sensitive to rye grass by skin test, RAST, and leukocyte histamine release, received preseasonal hyposensitization with a rye grass pollen extract either subcutaneously (cumulative dose 40,000 PNU) or orally (cumulative dose 400,000 PNU). While there was a significant (p less than 0.005) increase in specific serum IgG-antibodies and a decrease (p less than 0.005) of leukocyte sensitivity in the subcutaneously treated group, oral treatment with an aqueous pollen extract could not be demonstrated to be immunologically effective.