Allergens of horse dander: comparison among breeds and individual animals by immunoblotting.
Abstract: Some patients who are allergic to horses have reported that they can tolerate certain breeds, and the presence of breed-specific allergens has been suggested. Breeders and patients with asthma have claimed that Bashkir horses are nonallergenic. We used sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting to determine IgE-binding profiles of extracts of dander obtained from horses of several breeds. We found considerable inter-breed and within-breed variation but no breed-specific allergens. Danders from all breeds investigated contained the most important allergens, and the allergenic content of dander from Bashkir horses was similar to that of other breeds. Difference in scale production could account for differences in sensitivity to breeds and individual horses.
Publication Date: 1996-07-01 PubMed ID: 8765831DOI: 10.1016/s0091-6749(96)70239-7Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research aims to debunk the notion that certain horse breeds are non-allergenic. The study found that no breed-specific allergens exist, but there is a significant difference in allergens among all breeds and individual animals inherent in their dander, contradicting the longstanding belief that Bashkir horses are nonallergenic.
Objectives of the Study
- The research was aimed at investigating the presence of breed-specific allergens in horses, a belief held by some patients allergic to horses and breeders.
- The researchers also sought to test the claim that Bashkir horses are non-allergenic, thus safer for patients suffering from asthma.
Methodology Undertaken
- The researchers employed sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting techniques. These procedures are used in the study of proteins and their reaction to allergens. Their ability to separate and identify proteins made them ideal for this allergen research.
- Dander (the material shed from the body of animals, similar to dandruff in humans) was collected from horses of several breeds and analyzed for its IgE-binding profiles. IgE is an antibody produced by the immune system when it reacts to allergens.
Findings of the Study
- The study revealed significant inter-breed and within-breed variation in the allergens present, meaning there is a considerable difference between and within breeds in terms of the allergens they produce. This disputes the earlier belief of certain horse breeds being allergen-specific.
- No breed-specific allergens were found, suggesting that no one breed is safer than the other regarding allergen production, and thus possibilities of allergic reactions.
- Contrary to popular belief, the allergenic content of dander from Bashkir horses was found to be similar to that of other breeds, indicating that they are not uniquely non-allergenic.
- The study also proposes that differences in scale production, rather than breed, could be the key reason behind varied sensitivities to horse breeds and individual horses. Scale production refers to the process of producing and shedding skin cells, including dander, which can vary greatly between individual animals.
Implications of the Study
- This study’s findings are significant in debunking unsubstantiated claims regarding the non-allergenic nature of certain horse breeds, thus helping patients with allergies and asthma make informed decisions.
- It also highlights the importance of understanding individual animal’s scale production as a more accurate predictor for possible allergic hazards, instead of relying on breed generalizations.
Cite This Article
APA
Felix K, Ferrándiz R, Einarsson R, Dreborg S.
(1996).
Allergens of horse dander: comparison among breeds and individual animals by immunoblotting.
J Allergy Clin Immunol, 98(1), 169-171.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0091-6749(96)70239-7 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Linköping, Sweden.
MeSH Terms
- Allergens / analysis
- Allergens / immunology
- Animals
- Antibody Specificity
- Breeding
- Hair / immunology
- Horses
- Humans
- Immunoblotting
- Immunoglobulin E / blood
- Molecular Weight
- Species Specificity
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Victor S, Binnmyr J, Lampa E, Rask-Andersen A, Elfman L. Levels of horse allergen Equ c 4 in dander and saliva from ten horse breeds.. Clin Exp Allergy 2019 May;49(5):701-711.
- Zahradnik E, Janssen-Weets B, Sander I, Kendzia B, Mitlehner W, May C, Raulf M. Lower allergen levels in hypoallergenic Curly Horses? A comparison among breeds by measurements of horse allergens in hair and air samples.. PLoS One 2018;13(12):e0207871.
- Zahradnik E, Raulf M. Animal allergens and their presence in the environment.. Front Immunol 2014;5:76.
- Gawlik R, Pitsch T, Dubuske L. Anaphylaxis as a manifestation of horse allergy.. World Allergy Organ J 2009 Aug;2(8):185-9.
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