[Origin of allergens in the cat].
Danders and animal products have long been recognized as major allergens. One of the most common animals responsible for allergy is cat. Fel d I the major allergen has been detected in fur and a number of authors have claimed that saliva is the principal source of this major allergen and that pelt is contaminated as a result of licking during grooming. We could demonstrate that one of the major sources of Fel d I present on the skin are sebaceous glands and that the production of Fel d I is under hormonal control at least in male cats. Castration decreases significantly the level of Fel d I on the skin and the injection of testosterone reverses the phenomenon. These data lead to continue the work about the regulation of this protein and the knowledge of its biological function.
Vervloet
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Département des Maladies Respiratoires, Hôpital Sainte-Marguerite, Marseille.
D000485:Allergens / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism
D000485:Allergens
Origine des allergènes du chat.