Author/Editor		Košnik, Mitja; Wraber, Branka; Grmek, Irena
Title		Rush Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy modulates mast cell and basophil function
Type		članek
Source		Allergy Hypersens Asth
Vol. and No.		Letnik 1, št. 1
Publication year		2003
Volume		str. 33-7
Language		eng
Abstract		Background: In rush Hymenoptera venoms immunotherapy nearly complete immunologic tolerance is induced in few days, however mechanisms responsible for early immune tolerance are poorly understood. As mast cells and basophils are crucial effector cells in anaphylaxis, we studied their function during immunotherapy. Methods: Ten patients (3 female, 38-14 years) with severe reactions after honey bee (7) or wasp stings were treated with 4 days rush immunotherapy. Before immunotherapy (DAY 0), one hour after finishing the rush phase of immunotherapy (DAY 4), before the first maintenance dose (DAY 14), and before the maintenance dose after 6 months of immunotherapy (6 MONTHS) skin tests with honey bee and wasp venoms and codeine were performed. Sulphidoleukotrienes (sLT) released from peripheral blood leukocytes were measured after in vitro stimulation with venotns, antibodies against the high affinity IgE receptor and ionomyeine. Results: Immediately after the rush phase (DAY 4) there was a significant decrease in skin reactivity to the allergen used for immunotherapy (mean weal diameter 8,2-1,7 vs. 7,2-1,3 mm) but not to codeine. Compared to DAY 0 peripheral blood leukocytes were hyporesponsive on DAY 4 to all IgE mediated stimuli but not to ionomycine. All those parameters returned to pretreatment level on DAY 14. Conclusions: It seems that in the beginning of immunotherapy more short lasting mechanisms specifically and nonspecifically alter hyperresponsiveness of immune system to allergen. Key words: basophils, hymenoptera venom allergy, immunotherapy, mast cells, sulphidoleukotrienes.
Descriptors		BEE VENOMS WASP VENOMS IMMUNOTHERAPY SKIN TESTS CODEINE LEUKOTRIENES IGE IONOMYCIN BASOPHILS MAST CELLS