Binding of antibodies against birch pollen antigens/allergens to various parts of apples as studied by immuno-gold electron microscopy.
The clinically and biochemically observed correlation between birch pollen allergy and hypersensitivity to apples was investigated by immunocytochemical techniques. For this purpose, apple tissue was fixed in p-formaldehyde and embedded in Lowicryl K4M resin at -35 degrees C. Ultrathin sections were cut and successively incubated with rabbit antibodies against birch pollen antigens/allergens and protein A/gold. Specific antibody binding sites were detected throughout the apple fruit (peel, fruit flesh, seed). Control sections incubated with normal rabbit IgG antibodies and protein A/gold showed minimal background staining. It was concluded from the results of immunocytochemical labelling that apple tissue and birch pollen contain similar molecular structures which lead to the observed cross-reactions. The present immunocytochemical results confirm biochemical investigations reporting partial structural identity of antigens/allergens in birch and apple.
Grote
M
M
Institute of Medical Physics, University of Münster, Federal Republic of Germany.
D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D000906:Antibodies / Q000276:immunology; D001665:Binding Sites; D003429:Cross Reactions; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology*; D005638:Fruit / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D011058:Pollen / Q000276:immunology; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000276:immunology*
D000485:Allergens; D000906:Antibodies