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The allergenic properties of the vegetable gums

1943; Elsevier BV; Volume: 14; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/s0021-8707(43)90640-9

1878-2213

H.Harold Gelfand,

Allergic Rhinitis and Sensitization

The published reports of sensitivity to vegetable gums have been reviewed. These reveal that the chief sources of sensitization are karaya gum in hair-waving lotions and acacia in the offset sprays used in the printing trade. Although the allergens may enter the system by ingestion, injection, or surface contact, inhalation is the most common route, and respiratory symptoms predominate. The first well-established case of sensitization to tragacanth is reported. This case led to a study of the incidence of gum sensitivity among the workers in a gum factory, which has brought forth the following facts: (a) that gum sensitization is an occupational risk for predisposed persons; (b) that a period of time (usually about a year) is required after first exposure for the development of acute symptoms; (c) that tragacanth is a powerful allergen capable of causing extremely severe reactions; (d) that desensitization with allergenic gums is difficult, if not impossible; (e) that some workers who become sensitized may afterward spontaneously develop tolerance. The antigenic relationship between gum arabic and tragacanth has been studied by means of in vivo and in vitro experiments with sensitive sera. It was found that tragacanth is able to neutralize all the reagins to gum arabic but that arabic only partially neutralizes the reagins to tragacanth. Thus it appears that, while an antigenic relationship probably exists between these gums, and although the nitrogen content may be the same in both extracts, tragacanth must either contain an antigen not present in arabic or its extract must be richer in excitant content. The relationship between karaya and the other gums was not studied. Consultation of various authorities on the botanical origin of the three gums revealed that gum arabic (Acacia senegal) and tragacanth (Astragalus gummifer), although differing in genus and species, are members of the same family (Leguminosae). Karaya, on the other hand, belongs to an entirely different family (Sterculiaceae). This fact may have some bearing on the antigenic relationship of gums as brought out in our studies. The known sources of possible contact with allergenic gums have been listed. In conclusion, a review of the entire subject of gum sensitization shows it to be an increasing risk for predisposed individuals, especially through occupational contact, as demonstrated in hairdressers, confectioners, printers, employees of gum plants, and other workers who are subject to prolonged exposure.