Antigenicity of Penicillium notatum in animals and in atopic patients
Alonso, A.; Scavini, L.M.; Mouchián, K.; Rodríguez, S.M.; Irañeta, S.G.
Allergologia et Immunopathologia 18(6): 301-307
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-0546 PMID: 2088098 Document Number: 361817
A mycelial and metabolic extract of P. notatum (PN) was passed through Sephadex G-50 and DEAE-cellulose columns in order to separate soluble fractions that revealed a complex composition. Their proteins and hexoses were recorded with a LKB Uvicord spectrophotometer and quantified by the Lowry and the indol techniques. An animal model was also developed in rabbits and an IgG precipitin and haemagglutinating antibodies were obtained. The PN extract as well as those fractions with the higher protein content appeared positive when they were checked against the antiserum by means of Ouchterlony, Boyden and immunoelectrophoresis. The MW of PN was established at approx. 52 000 Da. Adult patients suffering perennial rhinitis and bronchial asthma showed positive type 1 skin tests with PN and its most conspicuous fractions (glycoproteins). A RAST-IgE-anti-PN was prepared following Ceska's procedure and challenged against all human sera. Only 40% of the patients revealed a positive RAST IgE-anti-PN which correlated significantly with the protein fractions (35%) and with the skin tests (43% and 39%, respectively). It is concluded that PN is a potent antigenic mould both in animals and man in whom an IgE specific antibody presumably related to their atopic condition was detected.