title: Effect of exposure to volatile organic compounds on plasma levels of neuropeptides, nerve growth factor and histamine in patients with self-reported multiple chemical sensitivity.
abstract: Plasma levels of substance P, vasoactive intestinal peptide and nerve growth factor, but not histamine, were elevated in patients with self-reported multiple chemical sensitivity (sMCS). Exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOC) increased plasma levels of all parameters in these patients, while it had no effect in normal subjects or patients with atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS). Exposure to VOC also enhanced skin wheal responses induced by histamine in patients with sMCS, while it failed to do so in normal or AEDS subjects. These results indicate that exposure to VOC may enhance neurogenic inflammation with concomitant enhancement of histamine-induced responses.
authors.affiliation: Department of Allergy, Ujitakeda Hospital, 24-1, Umonji, Uji, Uji-City, Kyoto Prefecture, 611-0021, Japan. unitikah@m12.alphanet.ne.jp
authors.forename: Hajime
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kimata
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005260:Female; D006632:Histamine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D008297:Male; D018777:Multiple Chemical Sensitivity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor / Q000097:blood*; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000097:blood*; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000633:toxicity; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D014835:Volatilization
chemical_list: D009479:Neuropeptides; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D006632:Histamine; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor