title: Hypersensitivity to human brain S-100 protein in chronic alcoholics.
abstract: We have studied hypersensitivity to neurotissue in alcoholics. Fifty-four male chronic alcoholics with signs of mental deterioration, and 30 age-matched healthy male subjects were skin tested with human S-100 brain protein and liver protein, and protein purified derivate of tuberculin (PPD). The local Arthus and delayed sensitivity reactions were read at 4 hr and 24-48 hr respectively. Alcoholics and non-alcoholics exhibited a similar capacity to develop Arthus and delayed hypersensitivity to PPD. However, of all patients, 98.1% developed positive Arthus and 96.3% delayed skin reactions to S-100 protein, whereas 27.7% developed Arthus and 43.3% delayed reactions to liver protein. In non-alcoholics, the frequency of hypersensitivity reactions to S-100 protein and liver protein was low. The very high incidence of Arthus and delayed hypersensitivity reactions to a brain antigen in chronic alcoholics suggests that both humoral and cell-mediated immunity are involved in the pathogenesis of alcohol-induced brain damage.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000276:immunology*; D001921:Brain / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D009418:S100 Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D012882:Skin Tests; D014373:Tuberculin / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D009418:S100 Proteins; D014373:Tuberculin