[Dermatophagoides farinae and Japanese cedar (sugi) pollen specific immunoglobuline E antibodies in asthmatic children measured by radioallergosorbent test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay].

In recent years, pollinosis caused by Japanese cedar pollen (Cryptomeria japonica, sugi in Japanese) has been increasing strikingly in Japan. To investigate the prevalence and age-related sensitization of sugi pollen in children, the specific IgE antibody was determined in 204 asthmatics (129 boys, 75 girls) by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radioallergosorbent test (RAST), and compared to Dermatophagoides farinae (D.f.). There was a good correlation in the total serum IgE levels measured by ELISA and PRIST. We think that the ELISA is a reliable and valuable method which uses no radioactive material in a massive epidemiological survey. D.f. specific antibody levels increased in early infancy and remained high, and there was no difference between ELISA and RAST score. The sugi-basic-protein specific antibody measured by ELISA was detected in early infancy, and increased slowly for 5 to 6 years reaching its highest level at 7 to 12 years followed by decreasing levels, as revealed by both ELISA and RAST. Infants born in spring, the sugi pollinating season, showed a lower level of sugi-specific IgE because they were exposed the pollen 6 months to one year later. We believe that sensitization of Dermatophagoides farinae in early infancy could influence subsequent sensitization by sugi pollen in later life.