Allergen-reactive antibodies are found in nasal fluids from patients with birch pollen-induced intermittent allergic rhinitis, but not in healthy controls.
BACKGROUND
Increased levels of allergen-reactive immunoglobulins (Igs) have been reported in nasal fluids from patients with intermittent allergic rhinitis (IAR) sensitive to ragweed and grass. The aims of this study were to make a detailed characterization of nasal fluid Igs in birch pollen-induced IAR.


METHODS
Nasal fluids were obtained from 23 patients with birch pollen-induced IAR during and after the birch pollen season, and from 20 healthy controls. Nasal fluid total and Bet v 1-reactive (IgA), IgE and IgG as well as albumin were analyzed by immunoassays. The integrity of IgA and IgG, and the molecular form of IgA were assessed by Western blotting and column fractionation, respectively.


RESULTS
Nasal fluid total IgE and IgG, but not IgA, were higher in patients compared with controls. Western blotting indicated no significant degradation of IgA (including S-IgA) and IgG. Most of the IgA, including Bet v 1-reactive antibodies, was of the secretory form and of the IgA1 subclass. Bet v 1-reactive IgA and IgG were present in all patients, but was mostly nondetectable in controls. No significant differences in the levels of Bet v 1-reactive IgA and IgG were found in patients during the birch pollen season compared with off season. Both Bet v 1 and Bet v 2-reactive IgE were nondetectable in most samples.


CONCLUSIONS
Nasal fluid Bet v 1-reactive IgA and IgG were found in all patients with birch pollen-induced IAR, but not in controls. However, no significant differences were found between patients during and after the birch pollen season.
Benson
M
M
Allergy Laboratory, Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Malmö University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
Reinholdt
J
J
Cardell
L O
LO
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000418:Albumins / Q000032:analysis; D000485:Allergens / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D029662:Betula; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000032:analysis; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017817:Nasal Lavage Fluid / Q000276:immunology; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000276:immunology*; D009299:Nasal Provocation Tests; D011058:Pollen; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000276:immunology*
D000418:Albumins; D000485:Allergens; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007073:Immunoglobulin E