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Glucans and dextrans in rats and man.
International Archives of Allergy and Applied Immunology
|January 1, 1978
Summary
Glucan contaminants in sugars cause skin reactions in humans and activate immune responses in rats, similar to dextrans. These findings highlight potential biological activity of sugar impurities.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
- Dermatology
Background:
- Glucans are polysaccharides found as contaminants in sugar solutions.
- The biological activity and immune response to these glucans are not fully understood.
- Dextrans are known to elicit immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the skin reactivity of glucan contaminants from invert sugar and crude cane sugar in humans.
- To assess the biological activity of these glucans in animal models, comparing them to dextrans.
Main Methods:
- Intracutaneous injections of glucans into human skin.
- Intradermal and subcutaneous injections of glucans into dextran-sensitive and dextran-resistant rats.
- Observation of localized wheals and erythema reactions.
Main Results:
- Glucan contaminants induced localized wheals and erythema in human skin.
- Glucans showed biological activity in both dextran-sensitive and dextran-resistant rats upon intradermal injection.
- Subcutaneous injection of glucans in dextran-sensitive rats elicited responses, mirroring dextran activity.
Conclusions:
- Glucan contaminants in sugars possess skin-sensitizing properties in humans.
- These glucans exhibit immunological activity in rodent models, comparable to dextrans.
- The findings suggest potential allergenic or inflammatory roles for sugar-derived glucans.