CHARACTERIZATION OF THE ALLERGEN(S) IN LATEX PROTEIN EXTRACTS

Background: Immediate hypersensitivity to latex, induced by natural la tex proteins remaining on the finished products, may lead to severe an aphylactic reactions. Methods: We investigated the distribution of lat er proteins by molecular weight and identified the specific allergenic molecules. Proteins extracted from various latex products were compar ed with those extracted from raw latex sap, both ammoniated and nonamm oniated. Results: Variations in the levels of extractable protein, as well as in the number of molecules and the molecular weight distributi on, were observed especially among finished latex products. To identif y allergenic (i.e., IgE-binding) molecules, we performed immunoblots w ith the sera from Inter-sensitive persons. The results indicated that antigenic molecule profiles differed among the products and also betwe en the finished products and the raw material. In addition, specificit ies of the anti-latex IgE antibodies varied among the sensitized perso ns. Conclusions: It appeared that persons with the same history of sen sitization had similar patterns of antigenic specificities. If the his tory of exposure, as well as genetic predisposition and medical histor y of the patient, plays a significant role in the specific IgE respons e, it may be difficult to select a ''standard'' antigen and a ''standa rd'' antiserum for the evaluation of the latex sensitivity and allerge nicity.