Identification of allergens in extract of horse hair and dandruff by means of crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis.

The research article focuses on the identification of allergens in horse hair and dandruff extracts, using methods such as Crossed Radioimmunoelectrophoresis. They found a significant degree of specific IgE binding to these allergens, especially in individuals who tested positive for horse allergies.

Research Methodology

• The study involves the collection of sera from 26 patients and 4 normal individuals without a history of allergies. Out of the 26 patients, 22 were tested RAST (Radioallergosorbent test)-positive for horse extract – that is, their bodies exhibited an allergic response to the horse hair and dandruff extracts.
• Four patients were RAST-negative to horse allergens, meaning they did not show an allergic response to the horse hair and dandruff extracts. However, they did show allergies to extracts of allergens from sources other than horses.
• The remaining four individuals, who served as controls, were also RAST-negative to horse and had no history of allergies.

Findings

• The antigens found in horse hair and dandruff were observed to have a significantly higher degree of binding with the specific IgE (Immunoglobulin E, a type of antibody that plays a key role in allergic reactions) in the sera obtained from the first group of patients. This group was identified as having a hypersensitivity to horse allergens.
• It was observed that there was a linear correlation between specific IgE binding in the RAST and CRIE (Crossed Radioimmunoelectrophoresis, a method used to analyse proteins) for this first group of patients. This relationship implies that a higher indication of allergy in the RAST corresponded with a higher level of specific IgE binding in the CRIE test.
• From these results, the major allergens present in the extract of horse hair and dandruff could be identified. However, the specific allergens are not named in the abstract.

Significance of the Study

• The study provides valuable information on the role of specific allergens present in horse hair and dandruff. Identifying these allergens could help in the development of improved diagnostic methods and treatments for people with horse allergies.
• The positive correlation between specific IgE binding in RAST and CRIE also indicates that the two methods could potentially be used interdependently in identifying allergic responses.