Pollen survey and its clinical significance

Abstract

In 1963, the authors reported the cases of Japanese cedar pollinosis in Nikko, Japan. This necesitated a pollen survey in making diagnosis of pollinosis. Therefore the pollen counts were carried out inTokyo during 1964 and in Nikko from March toMay in 1963 and 1964. Vaseline-coated slides were exposed to air for 24 hours. The results obtained were illustrated in the figures.Three pollinating seasons were observed in Tokyo. Tree season was recognised in February-May, grass season in May-November, and ragweed season in August-Septeber. Predominant pollens were Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar), Chamaecyparis obtusa, Pinaceae, Ambrosia elatior andDigitaria adscendens.In Nikko, tree season was recognised in MarchMay and predominant pollens were Cryptomeria japonica, Betulaceae and Pinus densiflora. The highest peak of Japanese cedar pollen count was observed in eary April with a maximum count of 70 grains in Nikko.Effects of humidity on dispersal of Japanese cedar pollen were observed. It was shown that there was a correlation between humidity and dispersal of pollens. Some clinical observations on antigenicity of pollens were carried out.bPollen counts as a factor in the development of Japanese cedar pollinosis was studied. Some reasons for absence of pollinosis in Japan were discussed. A reason might be attributed to the lack of investigations on pollinosis in Japan.The authors emphasized the importance and necessity of pollen survey in Japan.