Latex proteins

Molina-Bollvar, J.A., Galisteo-Gonzalez, F., and lvarez, R.H. (1998) Anomalous colloidal stability of latex-protein systems./. Colloid Interface Sci. 206, 518-526. 

A detailed review is presented of the literature on cutaneous reactions to rubber, the aspects covered including latex allergy, irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. The adverse cutaneous reactions to rubber occurring following industrial and occupational or consumer exposure to rubber chemicals or products or to natural rubber latex proteins are discussed. 261 refs. 

Hamann CP Natural rubber latex protein sensitivity in review. Am J Contact Derm 4 4, 1993... 

A03043 Assessment and quantification of latex protein (LP) transfer from LP-containing contact materials into food and drink products. A03046 Chemical migration from silicones used in connection with food contact materials and articles. 

If coldseal adhesives are prepared from rubber latex there is the special consideration of latex alergenicity. Although the transfer of latex proteins to packaged food is likely to be very low, if measurable at all, at this time it is difficult to come to any firm conclusions on this topic because of the absence of quantitative data on the extent of migration. 

Acrolein-containing latex particles were used for immobilization of proteins. The latex particles were prepared by emulsifier-free polymerization of acrolein and styrene (Table I). Fluorescent latex particles were prepared by mixing fluorescent dyes such as Hostalux KCB (Hoechst) or coumarin-6 into styrene before the emulsion polymerization (Table I). To increase the immunological sensitivity of the protein-conjugated latex particles, a hexyl group was introduced between the latex particle and the protein (Protein-spacer-latex). Proteins such as human serum albumin (HSA), anti-human serum albumin (anti-HSA-IgG), and a fragmented antibody (anti-HSA-... 

A 37-year-old atopic patient had generalized pruritus, diffuse urticaria, angioedema, rhinoconjunctivitis, and tachycardia within minutes of having glued a hair bond to her scalp. Skin tests with the glue (diluted 1 10 000 in saline) were positive, as was an IgE RAST on latex proteins (1). 

Russell-Fell, R., International Conference Latex Protein Allergy, 1993, 3. 

LM Barclay. Developments in low protein prevulcanized latex materials. In Latex Protein Allergy The Latest Position. Brickendonbury, United Kingdom Crain Communications Ltd, Rubber Consultants, 1995, pp. 41-53. 

Testing of serum samples from 136 patients with well-documented, clinically relevant, immediate-type hypersensitivity against latex proteins ("latex fruit allergy") for IgE antibodies against a panel of different fruits indicated that 50% of test subjects had positive tests to papaya (Brehler et al. 1997). Sensitization to latex-containing fruits such as papaya, avocado, banana, fig, and kiwi has been reported in persons allergic to latex (Diaz-Perales et al. 1999 Marin et al. 2002). 

According to Public Citizen, a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization, health care workers run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions when they either wear latex gloves or inhale cornstarch powder bound to latex proteins that has been released from latex gloves worn by others. 

III. PREPARATION OF LATEX-PROTEIN COMPLEXES AND THEIR APPLICATIONS... 

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