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Cellular, molecular, and clinical aspects of allergic disorders
Reviews of recent publications--Fd Cosmet. Toxicol. Vol. 18, no. 6 On the whole tile work discussed in this section demonstrated that it is possible to obtain a biochemiczd profile of the bronchoalveolar fluids. In spite of the wide individual variations that occur, differences are evident between the levels of protein, phospholipids and enzyme secretions in healthy controls and those in subjects suffering from allergic alveolitis and diffuse interstitial lung diseases. Changes in surfactant production as well as in the composition of surfactant can also be evaluated by these techniques. The second section of the symposium was concerned with the characteristics and functional abilities of the populations of bronchoalveolar cells obtained by lavage techniques. A number of investigators discussed the normal cell biology of the alveolar macrophage, its alterations in response to changes induced by cigarette smoke and the relationship between abnormal macrophage function and the pathogenesis of lung disease. Macrophages obtained from the lungs of cigarette smokers show membrane and functional changes characteristic of stimulated macrophages and are recovered in much greater numbers than from non-smokers. An interesting observation was an increase in lung T lymphocytes with a diminished mitogen responsiveness in smokers, suggesting that cigarette smoke may impair local immune defences. Differences between the lymphocyte populations of fluids obtained from non-smokers and from patients with sarcoidosis or hypersensitivity pneumonitis indicated that lavage fluids could be useful diagnostically. The final group of presentations was in fact concerned with clinical applications. There was general agreement that analysis of bronchoalveolar fluid from patients with interstitial lung diseases was providing information that was of value in unravelling the basic immunopathology underlying many of these diseases. The identification of certain enzymes, such as collagenase, in the fluid may help to explain alterations in collagen structure, and bronchoalveolar lavage is also important for the bacteriological study of infectious lung diseases. The information provided in these proceedings brings together the work of groups of investigators who have experience of this technique, and thus provides a broad view of the use and interpretation of this approach and its importance to the understanding of respiratory diseases.
Cellular. Molecular. and Clinical Aspects of Allergic
.... i~ ~ L
737
Disorders. Edited by S. Gupta, and R. A. Good. Comprehensive Immunology. 6. Plenum Medical Book Company, New York, 1979. pp. xix + 628. $54.00. The sixth book in the series Comprehen.~il'e lmmunoloyy describes the cellular, molecular and clinical aspects of allergic disorders. The first three chapters are concerned with the cellular basis of allergic disease and the body's adjustment to allergic reactions. The structure, function and roles of mast cells and basophils, as well as the ability of these cells to synthesize and release both histamine and low-molecular mediators of immediate hypersensitivity reactions, are discussed with great clarity. Although the roles of basophils and mast cells in delayed-onset reactions, including reactions to many protein antigens, have been recognized only recently, the review of this topic indicates the rapidity with which evidence for the participation of these cells in such reactions is accumulating. The function of eosinophils is less well defined at present, but these cells are known to play an important role in immunoglobulin E-mediated hypersensitivity states such as anaphylaxis, asthma, allergic rhinitis and some drug allergies. Having thus reviewed the current knowledge of the functions of various cell populations in hypersensitivity disorders, the book goes on (in Chapter IV) to discuss the molecular properties of allergens, and suggests that the dose, the antigenic valency and the physico-chemical state of the antigen determine the type of immune response induced. This is followed by a contribution on immunoglobilin E biosynthesis and the mechanisms of immunoglobulin E-mediated hypersensitivity, including the regulation of antibody formation by suppressor T lymphocytes. There is a most interesting chapter on the genetics of allergy. Allergic disorders exhibit a familial prevalence and a close association can be detected between HLA antigens and allergen responses in patient populations. The last part of the book is an extensive review of current concepts of the pathogenesis and management of clinical diseases with mechanisms based on atopy or hypersensitivity. The chapters on drug allergy and infiltrative pulmonary disease are most pertinent to those involved with pharmaceutical and allied products or concerned with occupational risks. As a whole the volume provides both an excellent background for the understanding of allergic diseases and an extensive review of current knowledge of the mechanisms of various types of hypersensitivity induced by many different allergens.
p, 736, line 40i For Brooks read Brookes.
Cellular. Molecular. and Clinical Aspects of Allergic
.... i~ ~ L
737
Disorders. Edited by S. Gupta, and R. A. Good. Comprehensive Immunology. 6. Plenum Medical Book Company, New York, 1979. pp. xix + 628. $54.00. The sixth book in the series Comprehen.~il'e lmmunoloyy describes the cellular, molecular and clinical aspects of allergic disorders. The first three chapters are concerned with the cellular basis of allergic disease and the body's adjustment to allergic reactions. The structure, function and roles of mast cells and basophils, as well as the ability of these cells to synthesize and release both histamine and low-molecular mediators of immediate hypersensitivity reactions, are discussed with great clarity. Although the roles of basophils and mast cells in delayed-onset reactions, including reactions to many protein antigens, have been recognized only recently, the review of this topic indicates the rapidity with which evidence for the participation of these cells in such reactions is accumulating. The function of eosinophils is less well defined at present, but these cells are known to play an important role in immunoglobulin E-mediated hypersensitivity states such as anaphylaxis, asthma, allergic rhinitis and some drug allergies. Having thus reviewed the current knowledge of the functions of various cell populations in hypersensitivity disorders, the book goes on (in Chapter IV) to discuss the molecular properties of allergens, and suggests that the dose, the antigenic valency and the physico-chemical state of the antigen determine the type of immune response induced. This is followed by a contribution on immunoglobilin E biosynthesis and the mechanisms of immunoglobulin E-mediated hypersensitivity, including the regulation of antibody formation by suppressor T lymphocytes. There is a most interesting chapter on the genetics of allergy. Allergic disorders exhibit a familial prevalence and a close association can be detected between HLA antigens and allergen responses in patient populations. The last part of the book is an extensive review of current concepts of the pathogenesis and management of clinical diseases with mechanisms based on atopy or hypersensitivity. The chapters on drug allergy and infiltrative pulmonary disease are most pertinent to those involved with pharmaceutical and allied products or concerned with occupational risks. As a whole the volume provides both an excellent background for the understanding of allergic diseases and an extensive review of current knowledge of the mechanisms of various types of hypersensitivity induced by many different allergens.
p, 736, line 40i For Brooks read Brookes.