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Occupational asthma caused by Papaver somniferum
Allergologia Et Immunopathologia
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Workers exposed to Papaver somniferum developed allergies. Specific IgE antibodies confirmed an IgE-mediated mechanism, not a toxic effect from alkaloids.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pharmaceutical factory workers exposed to Papaver somniferum showed symptoms.
- The factory extracts active principles like morphine from Papaver somniferum shells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of sensitization in workers exposed to Papaver somniferum.
- To differentiate between allergic and toxic/pharmacological effects.
Main Methods:
- Skin tests, bronchial provocation tests, ELISA, RAST, and histamine release assays were performed.
- SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting were used to analyze the allergen's protein components.
Main Results:
- Six out of 28 workers exhibited sensitization symptoms and positive skin tests.
- Bronchial provocation tests were positive in 4 workers; specific IgE was detected in 6.
- A 52,000 d protein band showed the highest IgE-binding capacity.
Conclusions:
- Papaver somniferum allergy in these workers is primarily mediated by IgE.
- The allergic reaction is not due to pharmacological or toxic effects of alkaloids or polyphenols.