Characterization of allergen extracts by polyacrylamide gel isoelectrofocusing and radioimmunosorbent allergen assay. II. Dog and cat allergens.

Abstract

The potency of commercial dog and cat allergen extracts produced by different firms may vary by a factor which may range from several 100 to more than 1,000. In cat extracts, major common components can be demonstrated between pI 4.5–5.0. In addition to these, additional components were seen in the pI ranges 3.0–3.9; 5.3; and 7.5–8.5. In commercial dog extracts, major common components were detected between pI 4.3–4.7. In one dog extract, the presence of additional components with pI 3.0–3.4; 3.5–3.7; 3.9–4.1; 4.9–5.0; 5.1 and 5.2–5.3 was demonstrated. There are indications, that in the sera of allergic patients, IgE antibodies are present which are counterparts of breed-specific allergens.