Evidence shows mice that are sensitive to cow’s milk protein may also be sensitive to soya bean proteins

Scientists from Laboratorio de Investigaciones del Sistema Inmune, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calles 47 y 115, C 1900 La Plata, Argentina, have found that mice that are sensitized to cow’s milk protein (CMP) show signs of hypersensitivity to soya bean protein (SP). This result suggests that immunochemical cross-reactivity may be occurring.

The scientists sensitized the mice with cholera toxin and CMP, and then challenged them with CMP or SP to induce allergy. All symptoms, plasma histamine and immune responses were analysed, and cutaneous tests were also performed.

The symptoms elicited in the sensitized mice challenged by SP were consistent with a plasma histamine increase. The serum levels of CMP-specific IgE and IgG1 antibodies were increased, and these antibodies recognized soya proteins. Sensitised animals also showed positive cutaneous tests after injection of CMP or SP.

They conclude that mice sensitized to CMP, with no previous exposure to SP, show hypersensitivity immediately after oral administration of SP, suggesting that there may be cross reactivity between the two proteins.

Source: International Archives of Allergy and Immunology

First published in April 2012

 

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