No abstract

Basotest can therefore be used as a diagnostic test during the pollen season, but the allergen exposure needs to be characterized if quantitative studies are performed.

No abstract

The KLH-conjugated decapeptide vaccine was not effective in cypress pollen allergy.

Pharmacologic intervention in the management of allergic conjunctivitis was evaluated with different topical ocular agents in man. Their effect can be precisely assessed with the conjunctival provocation test (CPT). A potent specific H1-receptor antagonist, 0.05% mequitazine eye-drops, was tested in a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled study using CPT with grass pollen allergens. Twenty healthy subjects allergic to grass pollen were included outside the pollen season after a positive CPT screening. They received one drop of 0.05% mequitazine in one eye and the vehicle in the contralateral eye in a random order, four times daily for 5 days. CPT was performed 15 min after the last instillation, and the threshold dose inducing a positive reaction was determined. Results were given by Abelson's composite score including redness, chemosis, tearing, and itching. Topical 0.05% mequitazine significantly reduced the composite score compared to placebo. The allergen threshold concentration which induced the positive conjunctival reaction was higher in mequitazine pretreated eyes. No side-effect was reported. These data clearly suggest that mequitazine has potential to treat allergic conjunctivitis.