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Allergen community in pollen from certain tree species
Annals of Allergy
|May 1, 1981
Summary
Skin reactions to tree pollen extracts in atopic patients showed high correlation between different pollens. This suggests cross-reactivity, aiding in understanding allergic responses to tree pollen.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Atopic individuals often exhibit allergic reactions to various environmental allergens.
- Tree pollen is a significant contributor to seasonal allergic rhinitis and asthma.
- Understanding cross-reactivity among tree pollens is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management of pollen allergies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation of skin reactions to different tree pollen extracts in atopic patients.
- To assess the degree of cross-reactivity between various tree pollens based on skin prick test results.
Main Methods:
- Skin prick tests were performed on atopic patients using six different tree pollen extracts.
- Three ten-fold dilutions of each extract were utilized.
- Correlation coefficients were calculated to compare skin reaction patterns between different pollen types.
Main Results:
- A high correlation coefficient (0.74) was observed between skin reactions to identical extracts, confirming test reliability.
- Similar high correlation coefficients were found between reactions to different tree pollen extracts, such as poplar and willow.
- Strong correlations were also noted among hazel, alder, birch, oak, and beech pollen extracts, indicating significant cross-reactivity.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates substantial cross-reactivity among common tree pollens in atopic individuals.
- Skin test results suggest that patients allergic to one tree pollen are likely to react to others.
- These findings support the concept of a shared allergenic component or cross-reacting epitopes among these tree pollens, impacting clinical diagnosis and immunotherapy strategies.