title: Seasonal variation in serum eosinophilic cationic protein (S-ECP) in a general population sample.
abstract: The aim of this investigation was to study the seasonal variation in the serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein (S-ECP). The study population comprised a general population sample of 379 individuals (range: 20-45 years) who were investigated with blood sample for the measurement of S-ECP, skin prick test and methacholine challenge. The examination took place between May and October 1991. Of the 379 subjects investigated, 137 (36%) were atopic. A significant seasonal variation in S-ECP was found in the group of birch-pollen-positive subjects (P < 0.05), but not in the non-atopic or birch-negative atopic group. The mean level of S-ECP in birch-positive subjects was about twice as high in June as in birch atopic subjects examined during other months. It is concluded that seasonal variation in birch-pollen-positive subjects must be taken into account when using S-ECP clinically or in epidemiological research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Lung Medicine, Akademiska Sjukhuset, Uppsala, Sweden.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Janson
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Björnsson
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Enander
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Håkanson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D047091:Eosinophil Granule Proteins; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D016210:Methacholine Chloride; D008875:Middle Aged; D011058:Pollen; D012260:Ribonucleases; D012621:Seasons; D012882:Skin Tests
chemical_list: D001798:Blood Proteins; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D047091:Eosinophil Granule Proteins; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D016210:Methacholine Chloride; D012260:Ribonucleases