Allergenic variability in olea pollen.

Marked in vitro allergenic potency variations were observed among six different olive pollen batches as determined by RAST inhibition, in direct correlation with the content of a multimeric component of 55,000 D as analyzed by size-exclusion high performance liquid chromotography. Electrophoretical patterns displayed differences in a heterogeneous band of 20,000 D and isoelectric point around 5, which probably represents the monomeric form of the major allergen.