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Cross-sensitization between two plant allergens, Frullania and Laurus Nobilis (L), has been demonstrated in Strasbourg. A review of the haptens isolated from Frullania outlines the importance of the purification of allergen to ascertain the nature of the Causative agent. New results on laurel oil point to the possibility of a common denominator (the α-methylene γ-butyrolactone moiety) between this plant and Frullania; former results are re-interpreted and analyzed. In conclusion, the importance of physico-chemical methods used to purify and isolate haptens, and help in their definition, is stressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several compounds containing the α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone moiety have been tested on human volunteers and on guinea-pigs; the animals were experimentally sensitized by alantolactone, iso-alantolactone and laurel oil. Of the two new lactones, spirolactone was the more reactive: this was confirmed by both animal and human testing. The synthetic lactones are less reactive than natura1 ones. α-Methylene-γ-butyrolactone itself does not elicit cross-reactions in guinea-pigs sensitive either to alantolactone or to isoalantolactone, or in patients sensitive to sesquiterpene lactones. The α- methylene-γ-butyrolactone group is necessary for cross-reaction, but to be active, it has first to be substituted. It was also found that isoalantolactone, allegedly not allergenic, is in fact a sensitizer and cross-reacts with alantolactone. The cross-reaction between laurel and Frullania, found in man, also occurs in guinea-pigs. It is more evident when sesquiterpene lactone is the sensitizer and laurel used to elicit reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

22 cases of allergic contact dermatitis from topical corticosteroids were observed in Strasbourg and previously published 7 further cases are reported here and the vehicle and concentration of corticosteroids for patch tests are discussed. A 0.1% concentration in petrolatum seemed adequate for testing the 4 molecules (triamcinolone acetonide, dexamethasone, desonide and amcinonide) responsible for the 7 new, cases. In 1 case, several cross-reactions were seen. A corticosteroids screening series permits patch testing of the suspected molecule(s) in a selective way. Without this series, long delays arc required to make [he correct diagnosis by patch testing. We have reviewed more than 60 paper on corticosteroids allergy published up to now. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report 4 patients who developed allergic contact dermatitis after ultrasound investigations. Patch testing was positive with conducing gels, and in 2 cases with propylene glycol. Contact dermatitis to gels is also seen in electrographic practice and after transcutaneous electrical analgesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients sensitive to phenyl salicylate (salol) were patch-tested to several aryl salicylates. The most powerful derivative was p-nitrophenyl salicylate (compound 5). This can be explained by an unusually good interaction with protein (nucleophilic substitution on the carboxyl carbon). All these results were confirmed by experimental sensitization of guinea pigs to salol and cross-reaction to substituted salols. The results are in line with current theory of allergic contact dermatitis, i.e., an in vivo formation of a hapten-protein conjugate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3 cases of contact dermatitis from ginkgo fruit are reported. Swelling of the prepuce can be the only clinical sign of intolerance, as was observed in 1 case. Diagnosis of contact dermatitis to ginkgo fruit should be made in cities where female ginkgo trees grow, in Chinese, Japanese and South-East Asian subjects, who are aware of the ginkgo nut's culinary qualities within the fruit, as well as in children who play with the fallen fruits as "marbles". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]