Immunochemical quantitation, size distribution, and cross-reactivity of lepidoptera (moth) aeroallergens in southeastern Minnesota

Journal Article · Fri Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1988 · J. Allergy Clin. Immunol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0091-6749(88)90050-4· OSTI ID:7000052

Wynn, S R; Swanson, M C; Reed, C E; Penny, N D; Showers, W B; Smith, J M

With an immunochemical method, we analyzed outdoor air samples during a 3-year period for concentrations of the predominant local species of moth, Pseudaletia unipuncta (Haworth). Airborne particulates were collected on fiberglass filter sheets with an Accu-Vol sampler located 1.5 m above ground on the southeastern Minnesota prairie. Filter eluates analyzed by RIA inhibition contained concentrations of moth protein peaking in June and August to September of each year, with levels comparable to reported immunochemically measured levels of pollen and mold allergens. These peaks also corresponded with total numbers of moths captured in light traps. Moth-allergen activity was distributed in particle sizes ranging from 0.8 to greater than 4.1 micron when sized samples were obtained by use of an Andersen cascade impaction head. By RIA inhibition, there was cross-reactivity between P. unipuncta and insects of different genera, families, and orders, but not with pollens or molds. Forty-five percent of 257 patients with immediate positive skin tests to common aeroallergens had positive skin tests to one or more commercially available whole body insect extracts. Of 120 patients with allergic rhinitis believed to be primarily caused by ragweed sensitivity, 5% also had elevated specific IgE to moths. We conclude that airborne concentrations of Lepidoptera can be measured immunochemically and that moths may be a seasonal allergen in the United States.

• Research Organization: Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, Rochester, MN (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7000052
• Journal Information: J. Allergy Clin. Immunol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Allergy Clin. Immunol.; (United States) Vol. 82:1; ISSN JACIB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550901* -- Pathology-- Tracer Techniques
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
ALLERGY
ANIMALS
ARTHROPODS
DISEASES
GLOBULINS
IMMUNE REACTIONS
IMMUNE SYSTEM DISEASES
IMMUNOASSAY
IMMUNOGLOBULINS
IMMUNOLOGY
INSECTS
INVERTEBRATES
ISOTOPE APPLICATIONS
LEPIDOPTERA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PARTICLE SIZE
PATHOGENESIS
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
PATIENTS
POLLUTION
PROTEINS
RADIOASSAY
RADIOIMMUNOASSAY
RADIOIMMUNOLOGY
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
SIZE
TRACER TECHNIQUES
VARIATIONS