Author/Editor		Košnik, M; Mušič, E; Kotnik, V; Šuškovič, S; Furlan, J; Wraber, B; Šorli, J
Title		Proliferative activity of lymphocytes during rush immunotherapy in bee venom hypersensitivity
Type		članek
Source		Allergo
Vol. and No.		Letnik 3, št. 5
Publication year		1994
Volume		str. 254-9
Language		eng
Abstract		Aims: Immunotherapy is a successful method for the treatment of hymenoptera venom allergic patients, yet the mechanisms leading to immune tolerance have not been completely clarified. We tried to find out if there are any changes in proliferative activity of specific and total T lymphocytes immediately after rush immunotherapy in bee venom hypersensitivity. Methods: In 14 patients who had experienced severe allergic reaction after bee sting we measured bee venom specific IgE antibodies (FAS, 3M Diagnostic Systems) and performed skin prick test (Reless. Alk) as well as lymphocyte transformation test with bee venom phorbol-myristate-acetate (PMA) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA), before and 10 days after rush immunotherapy with bee venom. Results: During rush immunotherapy, there was a significant decrease in skin sensitivity to bee venom and proliferation of lymphocytes stimulated with PMA. The concentration of slgE, as well as the proliferation of lymphocytes stimulated with PHA did not decrease significantly. Conslusions: Since PMA only stimulates proliferation in those lymphocytes that have already been partially activated, the results might suggest that after rush immunotherapy either the number of partially activated lymphocytes or the degree of activity of those lymphocytes have decreased. Further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Descriptors		BEE VENOMS DESENSITIZATION, IMMUNOLOGIC INSECT BITES AND STINGS IGE SKIN TESTS LYMPHOCYTE TRANSFORMATION