Comparison of IgE Antibody Concentrations to Pyromellitic Dianhydride-Modified Laminin and Human Serum Albumin in Sera of Exposed Workers with Respiratory Complaints

Abstract

Background: Acid anhydrides are used in a variety of industrial branches because of their highly reactive anhydride groups. Adverse effects of anhydride exposure include toxic/irritative effects as well as IgE- and IgG-mediated respiratory disorders. It was the aim of this study to examine the usefulness of conjugates of pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and laminin, a respiratory tract protein, for the in vitro diagnosis of sensitization to PMDA. Methods: Sera of PMDA-exposed workers (n = 9) and nonexposed controls (n = 8) were tested with an enzyme allergosorbent test (EAST). Human laminin and human serum albumin (HSA) were derivatized with PMDA and used as solid-phase in a commercial assay. Results: Seven out of 9 exposed workers revealed elevated IgE antibody concentrations (>0.35 kU/l) against laminin-PMDA whereas 5 of 9 subjects had elevated IgE antibody concentrations to HSA-PMDA. All 9 workers had elevated IgE antibody concentrations in at least one of the two tests. Of the 4 workers who complained of shortness of breath, 3 were positive for laminin-PMDA and 2 for HSA-PMDA. All of the nonexposed subjects were negative (<0.35 kU/l) for laminin-PMDA. Conclusion: PMDA-modified laminin could provide an additional diagnostic tool for the detection of sensitization to PMDA.

Pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) may cause occupational asthma

“…The mechanisms of anhydride-related asthma are not well understood 12. Some individuals with asthma caused by anhydrides show specific IgE antibodies to anhydride–human serum albumin conjugates suggesting IgE mediation 8 11 12.…”

Allergen‐induced cytokine phenotypes in mice: role of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations

“…For some chemical respiratory sensitizers (e.g. acid anhydrides), greater than 50% of symptomatic patients may display measurable specific IgE [4,5]. For other allergens, particularly for some isocyanates, lower frequencies (5-20%) have been reported [6,7].…”