Detection of latex allergens by immunoelectron microscopy in ambient air (P[M.sub.10]) in Oslo, Norway (1997-2003).* Latex is primarily recognized as an indoor allergen allergen /al·ler·gen/ (al´er-jen) an antigenic substance capable of producing immediate hypersensitivity (allergy).allergen´ic pollen allergen . * Natural rubber latex (NRL Noun 1. NRL - the United States Navy's defense laboratory that conducts basic and applied research for the Navy in a variety of scientific and technical disciplines Naval Research Laboratory ), however, is a major component of car tires. * Tire dust in urban air samples has been postulated to contribute to latex sensitization sensitization /sen·si·ti·za·tion/ (sen?si-ti-za´shun) 1. administration of an antigen to induce a primary immune response. 2. exposure to allergen that results in the development of hypersensitivity. and asthma. * This study collected ambient air along two highways in Oslo, Norway. * The purpose was to investigate annual variations in particulate matter and the presence of latex as an outdoor allergen. * Particulate matter with a mean aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 micrometers ([micro]m) (P[M.sub.10]) is of special interest since these particles are inhalable. * P[M.sub.10] can be divided into coarse, fine, and ultrafine fractions with diameters of >2.5 [micro]m, <2.5 [micro]m (P[M.sub.2.5]) and <0.1 [micro]m (P[M.sub.0.1]), respectively. * Inhaled particles may be trapped by the mucociliary apparatus and removed from the lungs within 24 hours. * Particles of 5 [micro]m or less, however, are deposited in the alveolar alveolar /al·ve·o·lar/ (al-ve´o-lar) [L. alveolaris ] pertaining to an alveolus. al·ve·o·lar adj. Relating to an alveolus. region, and clearance may take days or months. * Accumulation of particles may thus result in local exposures to high particle concentrations. * Immunolabeling in this study showed latex to be an outdoor aeroallergen aer·o·al·ler·gen n. Any of various airborne substances, such as pollen or spores, that can cause an allergic response. that adhered to carbon aggregates. * Carbon aggregates have a very large surface-to-volume ratio. * They can be regarded as a depot of aeroallergens inhaled into the immune system. * Thus they may pose increased risk for previously sensitized sensitized /sen·si·tized/ (sen´si-tizd) rendered sensitive. sensitized rendered sensitive. sensitized cells see sensitization (2). people. * The annual variation in P[M.sub.10] was similar over the five years of sampling, with increased mass concentrations in winter. * Predisposed and allergic subjects might be advised not to take part in outdoor activities in episodes of cold, dry periods with high air pollution. * Since environmental pollutants stimulate defense responses in plants, they may also induce pan-allergens. * Latex and its cross-reactive proteins may potentiate po·ten·ti·ate v. 1. To make potent or powerful. 2. To enhance or increase the effect of a drug. 3. To promote or strengthen a biochemical or physiological action or effect. the effect. * This observation may help explain the increase in sensitization to common airborne allergens in urban areas. |
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