Allergen provocation

The late-phase inflammatory reaction occurs 6 to 9 hours after allergen provocation and involves recruitment and activation of eosinophils, T lymphocytes, basophils, neutrophils, and macrophages. 

Virchow J, Julius P, Lommatzsch M, Luttman W, Renz H, Braun A (1998) Neurotrophins are increased in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid after segmental allergen provocation. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 158 2002-2005... 

Technical aspects of standardization of allergen provocation tests are the same as for other inhalation provocation tests (49,50). 

Two major techniques of aerosol generation and inhalation are used for allergen provocation tests. The first is a 2-minute period of tidal breathing from a continu-... 

Efforts should be made to assure that subjects undergoing allergen provocation are as stable as possible in order to have reproducible responses. This is at least as important as the technical factors, but we suspect it is not always as well appreciated as is standardization of technical factors. Important subject-related factors include stability in lung function (indeed stability in asthma control), medication use, and factors that may influence airway responsiveness. 

V. Allergen Provocation to Study Physiopathology of Asthma and Mechanisms of Action of Asthma Drugs... 

Gratziou C, Carroll M, Montefort S, Teran L, Howarth PH, Holgate ST. Inflammatory and T-ceU profile of asthmatic airways 6 hours after local allergen provocation. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1996 153 515-520. 

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