- Michael D Howell: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
BACKGROUND: Using non-powdered, low-protein natural rubber latex (NRL) gloves has been shown to reduce the elicitation of respiratory symptoms in latex-allergic individuals; however, the role of dermal exposure in the induction of sensitization is not completely understood.
OBJECTIVE: These studies were conducted to (1) determine levels of NRL protein in gloves currently in use and (2) evaluate, using a murine model, the potential for dermal exposure to induce NRL sensitization and subsequent airway hyperreactivity upon respiratory challenge.
METHODS: Total extractable protein and NRL allergen levels were evaluated from 38 glove samples using the Lowry and CAP inhibition assays, respectively. BALB/c mice were dermally exposed to non-ammoniated latex (NAL, 6.25-25 microg) 5 days/week for 13 weeks and monitored weekly/biweekly for IgE levels. Airway hyperreactivity was determined following respiratory challenge with methacholine (MCH) or NAL proteins on days 60 and 93, respectively.
RESULTS: Glove total protein and NRL allergen levels ranged from below the limit of detection to 946 microg/g and from 0.002 to 112 microg/g, respectively. Mice demonstrated dose-dependent increases in total serum IgE levels by day 58 with increased airway hyperreactivity observed upon respiratory challenge with MCH (day 60) or NAL proteins (day 93).
CONCLUSIONS: These studies investigated the continued use of gloves with high levels of total extractable protein and NRL allergen. The potential for dermal exposure to induce NRL-specific IgE and airway hyperreactivity upon respiratory challenge suggests there should be continued concern regarding the induction of sensitization in individuals using non-powdered latex gloves.