title: Characterization of an antigen in acute anaphylactic dialysis reactions: ethylene oxide-altered human serum albumin.
abstract: Anaphylactic reactions to dialysis have been associated with antibody to human serum albumin (HSA) that has been reacted with ethylene oxide (ETO). ETO, an agent used to sterilize dialyzers, is a potent alkylator of proteins. We have studied the antigenic characteristics of ETO-HSA. By use of immunoelectrophoresis we have demonstrated differences in electrophoretic mobility between HSA and ETO-HSA. By gel chromatography we have observed an apparent increase in the molecular weight of ETO-HSA as compared to HSA. Antigenic activity of ETO-HSA as determined by the technique of Lidd and Farr is found in all molecular weight fractions. Cutaneous reactivity to ETO-HSA can be transferred to subhuman primates. That reactivity is lost if the sera are heated to 56 degrees C for 4 hours. Antibody activity to ETO-HSA cannot be inhibited by ETO-glycine or HSA but can partially be inhibited by ETO-polylysine or ETO-ovalbumin. This suggests that antibody is directed against a new antigenic determinant on the ETO-protein moiety, probably an ETO-amino acid determinant like lysine.
mesh_terms: D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D002850:Chromatography, Gel; D003956:Dialysis; D005027:Ethylene Oxide / Q000276:immunology*; D000882:Haplorhini; D006241:Haptens; D006801:Humans; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D007526:Isoelectric Point; D008970:Molecular Weight; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D006241:Haptens; D012709:Serum Albumin; D005027:Ethylene Oxide