- Email: [email protected]
Comparison of Swiffer® to a standard electrostatic cloth in reducing allergen levels in day care centers
S330 Abstracts
046 Long-term Monitoring of the Immune Status of Children Living in Radionucleotide Contaminated Areas E. Kirylchyk ], L. Titov I, D. Charnashey ], L. M. Du Buske2; iBelarus State Medical University, Minsk, BELARUS, 2immunology Research Institute of New England, Fitchburg, MA. RATIONALE: Investigation of the immunologic effects of the Chernobyl disaster allows for long-term study of immune status parameters and allergic response markers in children. METHODS: 180 children, aged 5-15 years, living in radiation-contaminated areas of Mogilev were examined from 1997 to 2002. Children were divided into 4 groups dependent on ground 137Cs levels: I group- <5 Cu/km2; II group- 5-7 Cu/km2; II1 group- 13-16 Ca/kin2; IV group- more than 16 Cu/km 2. The cellular immune parameters were evaluated by immunophenotyping of CD-antigens and total IgE level was determined by ELISA. RESULTS: From 1997-1999, 40.8 -+ 2.4% of children living in contaminated territories had an IgE concentration >300 IU/ml. Total IgE level in children living in heavily contaminated areas 037Cs>16 Cu/km 2) was twice the control value. In 2002 a repeat study confirmed that children living in areas contaminated with Cs137 above 13 Cu/km 2 had high serum IgE levels which persisted. In groups III and IV from 1997-2002 a significant decrease of CD3(+), CD4(+) and CDg(+)-lymphocytes and significant increase of CD25(+) and HLA-DR(+) cells were noted when compared to the control group (p<0.05) and when compared to children living in areas with low 137Cs (<5 Cu/km 2) contamination (p<0.05). C O N C L U S I O N S : In children living in Cs137 contaminated areas of Belarus during the period of observation high serum IgE concentrations persisted associated with shifts in lymphocyte populations consistent with a significant change in immune status consequent to the long term effects of the Chernobyl disaster.
Funding: Ministry of Health of Belarus
1047 Seasonal Distribution of Cockroaches, a Major Source of Indoor Allergens, in Seoul, Korea C. Kim j, W. Kim l, K. Lee l, M. Shon l, G. Jang l, K. Kim 1, l. Lee 2, K. Jeong 2, J. Lee 2, T. Yong 2, C. Kim 3, J. Park 3, C. Hong3; Ipediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, REPUBLIC OF KOREA, 2parasitology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, REPUBLIC OF KOREA, 3Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, REPUBLIC OF KOREA. RATIONALE: Distribution of cockroach was little been known in Korea. The aim of this study was to evaluate species of cockroaches and seasonal distribution of cockroaches in Seoul. METHODS: The study was performed during April 2000 through January 2001, from 63 houses in Korea. The total of 63 residential homes from different districts in Seoul were selected for the home environment survey. Bait traps (10 x 20 x 4, Zoro Zoro, Taisho Pharmacy, Tokyo, Japan) were placed on four different places of kitchen floor and one in the side of balcony in the house and left for 5 days to capture cockroaches. RESULTS: The cockroaches were captured in 23 houses (36.5%) out of 63 houses. And the inhabitant density of cockroaches was highest in the autumn (43.3%) followed by summer (29.2%), spring (t8.3%) and winter (9.2%). In only 3 species were collected in Seoul area. The most common species were Blattella germanica showing 72.5% of the collected cockroaches, followed by Periplaneta japonica (25.2%) Periplaneta americana (2.3%). The total number of captured cockroaches was 504 and the number of nymph was 314 (62.2%). Isolated house type showed higher trapping rates than the apartment. Positive skin test rates were 46.2% in the healthy control group and 43.8% in the allergy patients. CONCLUSIONS: Periplaneta americana was captured in Seoul area, which had not been found previously. The inhabitant density of cockroaches was the lowest in the winter.
Funding: Ministry of Health and WelJ~tre
1048 Antigen Dust Mite Numbers and Mite and Cockroach Allergen and Levels in Central Florida Homes R. Codlna; Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.
J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL FEBRUARY 2003
RATIONALE: Since indoor allergen sources are affected by home and climatic characteristics, we determined in Florida homes: (1) mite numbers; (2) Group 1, mite allergen (MA) and mite antigen (MAG); (3) Bla g2, cockroach allergen (GCA) and cockroach antigen (GCAG); (4) correlations with home characteristics; (5) allergen versus antigen levels correlations. METHODS: Mites were counted in 396 bedroom dust samples from different homes, MA and GCA measured using mAbs, and MAG and GCAG using polyclonal antibodies. Home characteristics were evaluated by questionnaire. RESULTS: (1) mites were present in 97.7% (294 _+418 mites/g), MA in 94% (0.8 + 0.99 rag/g), and MAG in 99.5% (351.2 _+603.9 rag/g) homes; (2) GCA was absent and GCAG present in all samples (1,738 ___2,709 mg/g); (3) there are positive correlations between mites and MA (r = 0.24, p < 0.05), mites and MAG (r = 0.34, p < 0.001), and MA and MAG (r = 0.34, p < 0.001); (4) mite numbers are negatively associated with pets (r = -0.22, p < 0.001), air conditioning use (r = ~3.31, p < 0.001) and positively with house age (r = 0.17, p < 0.05); and (5) GCAG is associated with vacuuming frequency (r = 0.14, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MAG is more sensitive than MA measurement or mite counting to detect mite infestation. The presence of GCAG in bedroom dust suggests that cockroach infestation is common in Florida. Antigen quantification might be more appropriate than allergen measurement for indoor environmental control studies.
Funding: AAFA, Florida Chapter
1049 Domestic Mite Sensitization in German Patients--Including Chortoglyphusarcuatus and Gohieria fusca H. Miisken j, J. T. Franz 2, U. Schlensog 3, A. Heutelbeck 4, T. Schulz 4, C. Junghans4, P. Tucholla4, P. Hallier 4, K. C. Bergmann J; IAllergy and Asthma Clinic, Bad Lippspringe, GERMANY, 2Applied Biology, University of Paderborn, GERMANY, 3Hycor Biomedical, Kassel, GERMANY, 4Georg-August-University, G6ttingen, GERMANY. RATIONALE: There is limited knowledge about the allergological importance of domestic mites such as Chortoglyphus arcuatus and Gohieria fusca in Germany. METHODS: We studied 84 patients sensitized (RAST) with at least one of the mites Acarus siro, Lepidoglyphus destructor and Tyrophagus putrescentiae. Additional specific IgE determinations (HYCOR Biomedical) were performed in these patients with 9 domestic mites in total, including Chortoglyphus arcuatus and Gohieriafusca. The protein pattern of different mite extracts were studied using SDS-PAGE. RESULTS: The frequency of sensitization concerning the individual mites ranged from 20% (Euroglyphus maynei) to 92% (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae). Specific IgE to Chortoglyphus arcuatus and Gohieria fusca was found in 77% and 46% respectively. For most of the extracts SDS-PAGE revealed protein patterns ranging from 14-94 kD, especially in the 14-21 and 28-30 kD range respectively. Chortogl)phus arcuatus showed a protein band between 28-30 kD. No distinct bands were found for Gohieria fusca. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with sensitization to domestic mites frequently exhibit specific lgE to different species at the same time, explainable by cross reactive allergens or coexisting sensitizations. Chortoglyphus arcuatus and Gohieria fusca are frequent sensitizers in German patients. The protein pattern of different mite extracts show similarities, probably due to common allergens.
Funding: Self-funded
1050
Comparisonof Swiffer| to a Standard Electrostatic Cloth in Reducing Allergen Levels in Day Care Centers
M, Rezvani 1, R, Floyd 2, A. Perez 3, B. Lanphear4, L. Levine 3, J. A. Bernstein2; qnternal Medicine, Jewish Hospital of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 2Internal Medicine/Division of Immunology/Allergy Section, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 3Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 4General Pediatrics/Division of Epidemiology, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH. R A T I O N A L E : Daycare center (DCC) studies indicate that changing
J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL VOLUME 111, NUMBER 2
cleaning routines significantly reduces allergen exposure. We investigated the effect of Swifter| vs. a standard electrostatic cloth (EC) at reducing allergen levels on hard surfaced floors in a DCC. METHODS: Two tiled rooms in a 2 y/o DCC ( 15-20 toddlers/room) were selected. Either a fresh Swifter| or EC was used to clean the floors of each room nightly and then sealed in separately labeled ziplock bags for 10 weeks. Dust extraction was performed similarly for Swiffer'~ and ECs. Five cloths, representing one cleaning week, were cut into 5' x 17' rectangles corresponding to the dust collection area and placed in a horizontal pan one on top of another separated by 10 ml of extraction buffer. After soaking overnight, a plastic roller was used to squeeze fluid from the cloths. The fluid was centrifuged and supernatants were stored at 4~ until analyzed. An indirect polyclonal ELISA was used to analyze the pooled fluid for dust mite, cockroach, cat and dog allergen. RESULTS: On average Swifter| compared to ECs, collected more allergen/gin of dust/week: cat = 0.98 vs. 0.56 gg/gm (p<.05), dog = 1.85 vs. 1.18 ,ag/gm (p<.01), cockroach = 0.50 vs. 0.08 ,ug/gm (p<.05). Dust mite allergen was not detected in supernatants for either cloth, Based on weekly averages, total allergen over 10 weeks collected by Swifter| is estimated to exceed ECs by 15.1 gg/gm. CONCLUSIONS: Swifter| is more effective than standard ECs at removing cat, dog and cockroach allergens from hard surfaced floors.
Funding: Proctor and Gamble
1051 Survival of Dust Mites in Vacuum Storage Bags J. D. Miller; Allergy & Asthma Associates, Danbury, CT. RATIONALE: Since dust mites are aerobic organisms and live in soft substrates including blankets and woolen clothing, 1 examined their survival when these substrates were placed in vacuum-seal storage bags. M E T H O D S : Blankets and woolen sweaters inoculated with D. pteronyssinus cultures were placed in Space Bag | vacuum-seal storage packs, and matching inoculated items were placed in a typical plastic storage container. Air was vacuumed from the storage packs using a Nilfisk GD 1010 vacuum (102" water-lilt suction), and the vacuum-seal packs and conventional storage container were kept at ambient conditions (August and September in CT) for two weeks. The containers were then opened, sections of the fabrics were cut and vacuum-cleaned, clear adhesive Contac paper was placed over the sections, and they were placed on a microscope slide warmer, the surface temperature of which was increased by about 1~ over 50 minutes. The adhesive sheet was then removed, and the number of mites counted under a microscope. RESULTS: There were large numbers of live mites both in the blankets and sweaters stored in the vacuum packs and in those stored in the conventional storage containers. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of vacuum produced in these vacuum-seal storage bags was insufficient to kill dust mites, at least over the period of this experiment.
Funding: Mission: Allergy., lnc
1052 IstantPicture of Mucociliary Clearance after Irradiation Imporfor Patient's Prognosis? J. Foltinov~i ~, A. Schrott-Fischer 2, E. Neu 3, V. Zilfnek 4, V. Foltin 5, W. Freysinger6: qnstitute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, SK-81108 Bratislava, SLOVAKIA, 2University of lnnsbruck, University Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology, Anichstrasse 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, AUSTRIA, 3Institute of Environmen-
Abstracts
S331
tal Medicine, Feucht (bei Nuernberg), GERMANY. 4pediatric Clinic-Oncol. div., Bratislava, SLOVAKIA. 5FMFI UK. Comenius University, MlynskS. dolina, Department of Plasma Physics, SK-84248 Bratislava, SLOVAKIA, 6University of Innsbruck, University Clinic of Otorihinolaryngology, Anichstrasse 35. A-6020 lnnsbruck. AUSTRIA. RATIONALE: Answer on the question addressed in the title consists in the series of findings that comprehensively demonstrate intervention of radiation into the dynamics of mucociliary clearance (MC). Up to certain level radiation plays a role of stimulus which in the healthy organism does not evoke a response but in an ill organism may lead to irritation and activate triggering mechanism for changes realized on the level of cells responsible for the MC. MATERIAL: Our research has been carried out on experimental mice BALB/c mean weight 20.2 g, mean age 8 weeks whole body irradiated with 6.02 Gy as well as on children patients of the age 12 with osteosarcoma. Since the first changes appear on cellular level we have investigated excisions in transmission and scanning electron microscopes at magnifications up to 30000u and in polarization microscope. RESULTS: We have found complex of c h a n g e s ~ e c r e a s e d occurence of alveolar macrophags, apoptosis of cells, retraction of endothelial lining of capillaries of the barrier of gaseous exchange, proliferation of the new capillaries and significant broadening of the barrier of gaseous exchange. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that changes after irradiation are serious and must not be neglected when determining prognosis of a patient. Also the cells involved in the MC sensitively respond to irradiation. Our work points out importance of well-considered application of irradiation in order to prevent damaging healthy cells in their function in organs of vital importance to which lungs belong.
Funding: Austria-SIovakia Project 37sl
1053 Beekeeper's Serum Inhibits in Vitro Activity of Bee Venom (BV) Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) D. Giamarchi, R. Escamilla, M. Prevost, C. Hermant, M. Krempf; Pneumo-allergologie, H6pital purpan, Toulouse, FRANCE. R A T I O N A L E : PLA2 is a major antigen involved in BV allergy. Increase of IgG antibodies (Ab) with high affinity for PLA2 has been used to evaluate desensitization (DS) efficiency, Does high level of Abs and subsequent binding to PLA2, inhibit in vitro activity of this enzyme? We evaluated this hypothesis in beekeepers (BK), who commonly have high levels of protective Abs and may experience multiple stings without any symptoms. METHODS: we studies 13 occupational BK (OBK), 20 subjects with beekeeping as hobby (HBK) and 12 healthy controls. In vitro enzymatic activity of 5 I.tL of BV-PLA2 (100 IU/ml, SIGMA) was quantified using a fluoroscopic method [Radvany.Analytical Biochemistry (1989)]; results are expressed as pmol/min per mg of protein. The same experiment was carried out after addition of 100gL of serum to quantify the effect of patient serum on PLA2 activity. RESULTS: PLA2 activity was significantly decreased in beekeepers: OBK 4.5-+2.1 ~ HBK 24.2--_6.2 ~ controls 133.2_+12.9 p.mol/min (mean_+sem, ~ vs controls). Moreover, subjects who experienced multiple stings (more than thousand yearly) exhibited the lowest PLA2 activity: 3.4+/I .2 I.tmol/min. CONCLUSIONS: We found that sera from BK inhibited the in vitro activity of BV-PLA2, and this could be related to the presence of protective Abs against BV. This test might be useful in the follow-up of BV desensitization.
Funding: Se(f~[unded
046 Long-term Monitoring of the Immune Status of Children Living in Radionucleotide Contaminated Areas E. Kirylchyk ], L. Titov I, D. Charnashey ], L. M. Du Buske2; iBelarus State Medical University, Minsk, BELARUS, 2immunology Research Institute of New England, Fitchburg, MA. RATIONALE: Investigation of the immunologic effects of the Chernobyl disaster allows for long-term study of immune status parameters and allergic response markers in children. METHODS: 180 children, aged 5-15 years, living in radiation-contaminated areas of Mogilev were examined from 1997 to 2002. Children were divided into 4 groups dependent on ground 137Cs levels: I group- <5 Cu/km2; II group- 5-7 Cu/km2; II1 group- 13-16 Ca/kin2; IV group- more than 16 Cu/km 2. The cellular immune parameters were evaluated by immunophenotyping of CD-antigens and total IgE level was determined by ELISA. RESULTS: From 1997-1999, 40.8 -+ 2.4% of children living in contaminated territories had an IgE concentration >300 IU/ml. Total IgE level in children living in heavily contaminated areas 037Cs>16 Cu/km 2) was twice the control value. In 2002 a repeat study confirmed that children living in areas contaminated with Cs137 above 13 Cu/km 2 had high serum IgE levels which persisted. In groups III and IV from 1997-2002 a significant decrease of CD3(+), CD4(+) and CDg(+)-lymphocytes and significant increase of CD25(+) and HLA-DR(+) cells were noted when compared to the control group (p<0.05) and when compared to children living in areas with low 137Cs (<5 Cu/km 2) contamination (p<0.05). C O N C L U S I O N S : In children living in Cs137 contaminated areas of Belarus during the period of observation high serum IgE concentrations persisted associated with shifts in lymphocyte populations consistent with a significant change in immune status consequent to the long term effects of the Chernobyl disaster.
Funding: Ministry of Health of Belarus
1047 Seasonal Distribution of Cockroaches, a Major Source of Indoor Allergens, in Seoul, Korea C. Kim j, W. Kim l, K. Lee l, M. Shon l, G. Jang l, K. Kim 1, l. Lee 2, K. Jeong 2, J. Lee 2, T. Yong 2, C. Kim 3, J. Park 3, C. Hong3; Ipediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, REPUBLIC OF KOREA, 2parasitology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, REPUBLIC OF KOREA, 3Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, REPUBLIC OF KOREA. RATIONALE: Distribution of cockroach was little been known in Korea. The aim of this study was to evaluate species of cockroaches and seasonal distribution of cockroaches in Seoul. METHODS: The study was performed during April 2000 through January 2001, from 63 houses in Korea. The total of 63 residential homes from different districts in Seoul were selected for the home environment survey. Bait traps (10 x 20 x 4, Zoro Zoro, Taisho Pharmacy, Tokyo, Japan) were placed on four different places of kitchen floor and one in the side of balcony in the house and left for 5 days to capture cockroaches. RESULTS: The cockroaches were captured in 23 houses (36.5%) out of 63 houses. And the inhabitant density of cockroaches was highest in the autumn (43.3%) followed by summer (29.2%), spring (t8.3%) and winter (9.2%). In only 3 species were collected in Seoul area. The most common species were Blattella germanica showing 72.5% of the collected cockroaches, followed by Periplaneta japonica (25.2%) Periplaneta americana (2.3%). The total number of captured cockroaches was 504 and the number of nymph was 314 (62.2%). Isolated house type showed higher trapping rates than the apartment. Positive skin test rates were 46.2% in the healthy control group and 43.8% in the allergy patients. CONCLUSIONS: Periplaneta americana was captured in Seoul area, which had not been found previously. The inhabitant density of cockroaches was the lowest in the winter.
Funding: Ministry of Health and WelJ~tre
1048 Antigen Dust Mite Numbers and Mite and Cockroach Allergen and Levels in Central Florida Homes R. Codlna; Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.
J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL FEBRUARY 2003
RATIONALE: Since indoor allergen sources are affected by home and climatic characteristics, we determined in Florida homes: (1) mite numbers; (2) Group 1, mite allergen (MA) and mite antigen (MAG); (3) Bla g2, cockroach allergen (GCA) and cockroach antigen (GCAG); (4) correlations with home characteristics; (5) allergen versus antigen levels correlations. METHODS: Mites were counted in 396 bedroom dust samples from different homes, MA and GCA measured using mAbs, and MAG and GCAG using polyclonal antibodies. Home characteristics were evaluated by questionnaire. RESULTS: (1) mites were present in 97.7% (294 _+418 mites/g), MA in 94% (0.8 + 0.99 rag/g), and MAG in 99.5% (351.2 _+603.9 rag/g) homes; (2) GCA was absent and GCAG present in all samples (1,738 ___2,709 mg/g); (3) there are positive correlations between mites and MA (r = 0.24, p < 0.05), mites and MAG (r = 0.34, p < 0.001), and MA and MAG (r = 0.34, p < 0.001); (4) mite numbers are negatively associated with pets (r = -0.22, p < 0.001), air conditioning use (r = ~3.31, p < 0.001) and positively with house age (r = 0.17, p < 0.05); and (5) GCAG is associated with vacuuming frequency (r = 0.14, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MAG is more sensitive than MA measurement or mite counting to detect mite infestation. The presence of GCAG in bedroom dust suggests that cockroach infestation is common in Florida. Antigen quantification might be more appropriate than allergen measurement for indoor environmental control studies.
Funding: AAFA, Florida Chapter
1049 Domestic Mite Sensitization in German Patients--Including Chortoglyphusarcuatus and Gohieria fusca H. Miisken j, J. T. Franz 2, U. Schlensog 3, A. Heutelbeck 4, T. Schulz 4, C. Junghans4, P. Tucholla4, P. Hallier 4, K. C. Bergmann J; IAllergy and Asthma Clinic, Bad Lippspringe, GERMANY, 2Applied Biology, University of Paderborn, GERMANY, 3Hycor Biomedical, Kassel, GERMANY, 4Georg-August-University, G6ttingen, GERMANY. RATIONALE: There is limited knowledge about the allergological importance of domestic mites such as Chortoglyphus arcuatus and Gohieria fusca in Germany. METHODS: We studied 84 patients sensitized (RAST) with at least one of the mites Acarus siro, Lepidoglyphus destructor and Tyrophagus putrescentiae. Additional specific IgE determinations (HYCOR Biomedical) were performed in these patients with 9 domestic mites in total, including Chortoglyphus arcuatus and Gohieriafusca. The protein pattern of different mite extracts were studied using SDS-PAGE. RESULTS: The frequency of sensitization concerning the individual mites ranged from 20% (Euroglyphus maynei) to 92% (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae). Specific IgE to Chortoglyphus arcuatus and Gohieria fusca was found in 77% and 46% respectively. For most of the extracts SDS-PAGE revealed protein patterns ranging from 14-94 kD, especially in the 14-21 and 28-30 kD range respectively. Chortogl)phus arcuatus showed a protein band between 28-30 kD. No distinct bands were found for Gohieria fusca. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with sensitization to domestic mites frequently exhibit specific lgE to different species at the same time, explainable by cross reactive allergens or coexisting sensitizations. Chortoglyphus arcuatus and Gohieria fusca are frequent sensitizers in German patients. The protein pattern of different mite extracts show similarities, probably due to common allergens.
Funding: Self-funded
1050
Comparisonof Swiffer| to a Standard Electrostatic Cloth in Reducing Allergen Levels in Day Care Centers
M, Rezvani 1, R, Floyd 2, A. Perez 3, B. Lanphear4, L. Levine 3, J. A. Bernstein2; qnternal Medicine, Jewish Hospital of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 2Internal Medicine/Division of Immunology/Allergy Section, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 3Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 4General Pediatrics/Division of Epidemiology, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH. R A T I O N A L E : Daycare center (DCC) studies indicate that changing
J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL VOLUME 111, NUMBER 2
cleaning routines significantly reduces allergen exposure. We investigated the effect of Swifter| vs. a standard electrostatic cloth (EC) at reducing allergen levels on hard surfaced floors in a DCC. METHODS: Two tiled rooms in a 2 y/o DCC ( 15-20 toddlers/room) were selected. Either a fresh Swifter| or EC was used to clean the floors of each room nightly and then sealed in separately labeled ziplock bags for 10 weeks. Dust extraction was performed similarly for Swiffer'~ and ECs. Five cloths, representing one cleaning week, were cut into 5' x 17' rectangles corresponding to the dust collection area and placed in a horizontal pan one on top of another separated by 10 ml of extraction buffer. After soaking overnight, a plastic roller was used to squeeze fluid from the cloths. The fluid was centrifuged and supernatants were stored at 4~ until analyzed. An indirect polyclonal ELISA was used to analyze the pooled fluid for dust mite, cockroach, cat and dog allergen. RESULTS: On average Swifter| compared to ECs, collected more allergen/gin of dust/week: cat = 0.98 vs. 0.56 gg/gm (p<.05), dog = 1.85 vs. 1.18 ,ag/gm (p<.01), cockroach = 0.50 vs. 0.08 ,ug/gm (p<.05). Dust mite allergen was not detected in supernatants for either cloth, Based on weekly averages, total allergen over 10 weeks collected by Swifter| is estimated to exceed ECs by 15.1 gg/gm. CONCLUSIONS: Swifter| is more effective than standard ECs at removing cat, dog and cockroach allergens from hard surfaced floors.
Funding: Proctor and Gamble
1051 Survival of Dust Mites in Vacuum Storage Bags J. D. Miller; Allergy & Asthma Associates, Danbury, CT. RATIONALE: Since dust mites are aerobic organisms and live in soft substrates including blankets and woolen clothing, 1 examined their survival when these substrates were placed in vacuum-seal storage bags. M E T H O D S : Blankets and woolen sweaters inoculated with D. pteronyssinus cultures were placed in Space Bag | vacuum-seal storage packs, and matching inoculated items were placed in a typical plastic storage container. Air was vacuumed from the storage packs using a Nilfisk GD 1010 vacuum (102" water-lilt suction), and the vacuum-seal packs and conventional storage container were kept at ambient conditions (August and September in CT) for two weeks. The containers were then opened, sections of the fabrics were cut and vacuum-cleaned, clear adhesive Contac paper was placed over the sections, and they were placed on a microscope slide warmer, the surface temperature of which was increased by about 1~ over 50 minutes. The adhesive sheet was then removed, and the number of mites counted under a microscope. RESULTS: There were large numbers of live mites both in the blankets and sweaters stored in the vacuum packs and in those stored in the conventional storage containers. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of vacuum produced in these vacuum-seal storage bags was insufficient to kill dust mites, at least over the period of this experiment.
Funding: Mission: Allergy., lnc
1052 IstantPicture of Mucociliary Clearance after Irradiation Imporfor Patient's Prognosis? J. Foltinov~i ~, A. Schrott-Fischer 2, E. Neu 3, V. Zilfnek 4, V. Foltin 5, W. Freysinger6: qnstitute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, SK-81108 Bratislava, SLOVAKIA, 2University of lnnsbruck, University Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology, Anichstrasse 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, AUSTRIA, 3Institute of Environmen-
Abstracts
S331
tal Medicine, Feucht (bei Nuernberg), GERMANY. 4pediatric Clinic-Oncol. div., Bratislava, SLOVAKIA. 5FMFI UK. Comenius University, MlynskS. dolina, Department of Plasma Physics, SK-84248 Bratislava, SLOVAKIA, 6University of Innsbruck, University Clinic of Otorihinolaryngology, Anichstrasse 35. A-6020 lnnsbruck. AUSTRIA. RATIONALE: Answer on the question addressed in the title consists in the series of findings that comprehensively demonstrate intervention of radiation into the dynamics of mucociliary clearance (MC). Up to certain level radiation plays a role of stimulus which in the healthy organism does not evoke a response but in an ill organism may lead to irritation and activate triggering mechanism for changes realized on the level of cells responsible for the MC. MATERIAL: Our research has been carried out on experimental mice BALB/c mean weight 20.2 g, mean age 8 weeks whole body irradiated with 6.02 Gy as well as on children patients of the age 12 with osteosarcoma. Since the first changes appear on cellular level we have investigated excisions in transmission and scanning electron microscopes at magnifications up to 30000u and in polarization microscope. RESULTS: We have found complex of c h a n g e s ~ e c r e a s e d occurence of alveolar macrophags, apoptosis of cells, retraction of endothelial lining of capillaries of the barrier of gaseous exchange, proliferation of the new capillaries and significant broadening of the barrier of gaseous exchange. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that changes after irradiation are serious and must not be neglected when determining prognosis of a patient. Also the cells involved in the MC sensitively respond to irradiation. Our work points out importance of well-considered application of irradiation in order to prevent damaging healthy cells in their function in organs of vital importance to which lungs belong.
Funding: Austria-SIovakia Project 37sl
1053 Beekeeper's Serum Inhibits in Vitro Activity of Bee Venom (BV) Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) D. Giamarchi, R. Escamilla, M. Prevost, C. Hermant, M. Krempf; Pneumo-allergologie, H6pital purpan, Toulouse, FRANCE. R A T I O N A L E : PLA2 is a major antigen involved in BV allergy. Increase of IgG antibodies (Ab) with high affinity for PLA2 has been used to evaluate desensitization (DS) efficiency, Does high level of Abs and subsequent binding to PLA2, inhibit in vitro activity of this enzyme? We evaluated this hypothesis in beekeepers (BK), who commonly have high levels of protective Abs and may experience multiple stings without any symptoms. METHODS: we studies 13 occupational BK (OBK), 20 subjects with beekeeping as hobby (HBK) and 12 healthy controls. In vitro enzymatic activity of 5 I.tL of BV-PLA2 (100 IU/ml, SIGMA) was quantified using a fluoroscopic method [Radvany.Analytical Biochemistry (1989)]; results are expressed as pmol/min per mg of protein. The same experiment was carried out after addition of 100gL of serum to quantify the effect of patient serum on PLA2 activity. RESULTS: PLA2 activity was significantly decreased in beekeepers: OBK 4.5-+2.1 ~ HBK 24.2--_6.2 ~ controls 133.2_+12.9 p.mol/min (mean_+sem, ~ vs controls). Moreover, subjects who experienced multiple stings (more than thousand yearly) exhibited the lowest PLA2 activity: 3.4+/I .2 I.tmol/min. CONCLUSIONS: We found that sera from BK inhibited the in vitro activity of BV-PLA2, and this could be related to the presence of protective Abs against BV. This test might be useful in the follow-up of BV desensitization.
Funding: Se(f~[unded