title: Enzyme-like immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for immunoglobulin G antibodies against insect venoms.
abstract: IgG "blocking" antibodies were measured in patients receiving insect venom immunotherapy. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) described herein was found to be sensitive and reproducible. Results with ELISA correlated well with values obtained with a radioimmunoassay and with inhibition of the release of histamine from sensitive basophils. Also, specific antibody titers against phospholipase A and whole bee venom were correlated. Serial determinations of venom-specific IgG antibodies were made in 17 patients receiving Polistes wasp or bee venom immunotherapy. The majority of patients showed a rise in IgG antibodies, which peaked after administration of approximately 500 micrograms of venom. Only one out of 13 of these venom-treated patients had allergic symptoms after an insect sting while on maintenance therapy.
mesh_terms: D001514:Bee Venoms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004306:Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006636:Histamine Release; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000276:immunology; D010741:Phospholipases A / Q000276:immunology; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D014862:Wasp Venoms / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D001514:Bee Venoms; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D014862:Wasp Venoms; D010741:Phospholipases A