1,2,3-Trithiane-5-carboxylic acid, a first contact allergen from Asparagus officinalis (Liliaceae).
BACKGROUND
Although hundreds of cases of allergic contact dermatitis caused by asparagus have been described in the literature, the responsible allergens are still unknown.


OBJECTIVE
Fresh asparagus shoots were purchased in early April. Juice and ether extracts were prepared and stored in a deep freezer until chemical investigations and patch tests could be performed. Known constituents were obtained from investigators who have isolated asparagus components.


METHODS
Asparagus-sensitive patients were patch tested with the juice or fresh parts of asparagus and four constituents. One of the compounds was synthesized to get greater amounts for experimental sensitization in guinea pigs.


RESULTS
All patients gave positive results with the fresh asparagus and 1,2,3-trithiane-5-carboxylic acid, one of its constituents. Experimental sensitization showed that asparagus has a weak to moderate sensitizing capacity. 1,2,3-Trithiane-5-carboxylic acid showed a similar sensitizing power in the experiments. 1,2,3-Trithiane-5-carboxylic acid is a plant growth inhibitor occurring in asparagus mainly in the early phase of the season.


CONCLUSIONS
For the first time, a sulfur-containing growth inhibitor could be determined as a contact sensitizer in an edible plant. A second sensitizing constituent was detected, of which the structure could not yet be elucidated completely.
Hausen
B M
BM
Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Hamburg, Germany.
Wolf
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens; D000818:Animals; D002264:Carboxylic Acids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011379:Prognosis; D014675:Vegetables / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry
C102074:1,2,3-trithiane-5-carboxylic acid; D000485:Allergens; D002264:Carboxylic Acids; D010936:Plant Extracts