Related Experiment Videos
Resorcinols and catechols: a clinical study of cross-sensitivity
T E Knight1, P Boll, W L Epstein
1Division of Dermatology, University of Hawaii School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, USA.
Summary
Allergic contact dermatitis from Philodendron and Toxicodendron plants is common. This study found no cross-reactivity between these plant species, meaning sensitivity to one does not imply sensitivity to the other.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
- Botany
Background:
- Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from Philodendron species is prevalent in Hawaii.
- Toxicodendron species are the primary cause of plant-induced ACD in North America.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of cross-sensitivity between Philodendron and Toxicodendron plant species.
- To clarify the relationship between sensitivities to these commonly encountered plant allergens.
Main Methods:
- Alkylresorcinols were isolated from Philodendron species, and alkylcatechols from Toxicodendron radicans (poison ivy).
- Seventeen patients from Hawaii and 8 from California were skin-tested with purified allergens.
- Test sites were evaluated for reactions at 72, 96, and 144 hours.
Main Results:
- No cross-reactivity was observed in Philodendron-sensitive, Toxicodendron-naive patients tested with Toxicodendron allergens.
- With one exception, no cross-reactivity occurred in Toxicodendron-sensitive, Philodendron-naive patients tested with Philodendron allergens.
Conclusions:
- Sensitivity to Philodendron species (resorcinol-containing plants) does not necessarily indicate cross-sensitivity to Toxicodendron species.
- Conversely, Toxicodendron sensitivity does not predict Philodendron sensitivity, suggesting distinct allergenic profiles.