Identification of Hev b1 in natural latex mattresses.
BACKGROUND
Type 1 hypersensitivity to natural rubber latex proteins is a well-recognized health problem. Recent data have shown that allergens can be extracted from natural latex mattresses. As Hev b 1 (rubber elongation factor) and Hev b 6.02 (hevein) were described as major allergens, the present work was carried out to evaluate their presence in latex mattresses as well as in latex gloves.


METHODS
Extracted proteins from latex mattresses and gloves were separated by SDS-PAGE or two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, transferred onto nitrocellulose and detected with monoclonal antibodies specific for Hev b 1 and Hev b 6.02.


RESULTS
The results showed that various forms of Hev b 1, as well as degradation products of Hev b 1 were detected in latex mattresses and gloves, whereas Hev b 6.02 was not detected either in mattresses or in gloves. In a standardized latex extract, Hev b 1 and Hev b 6.01 (prohevein) were identified by the monoclonal antibodies.


CONCLUSIONS
The fact that only Hev b 1 was detected by immunoblot in latex articles indicates that Hev b 1 may be the last protein to be washed out of latex products and that the Hev b 1 content may be used as a criterion for the estimation of the allergenicity of the latex products.
Chardin
H
H
Institut Pasteur, Unité d'Immuno-Allergie, Paris, France.
Chen
Z
Z
Raulf-Heimsoth
M
M
Mayer
C
C
Sénéchal
H
H
Desvaux
F X
FX
Peltre
G
G
D000485:Allergens / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D052179:Antigens, Plant; D001513:Beds / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017575:Gloves, Protective / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007840:Latex / Q000276:immunology* / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D000485:Allergens; D052179:Antigens, Plant; C098306:Hev b 1 protein, Hevea brasiliensis; D007840:Latex; D010940:Plant Proteins