국내 자생 소나무류(소나무, 곰솔, 리기다소나무)의 꽃가루 항원성 연구

Abstract

Over the years, pine pollens have been excluded as an allergen due to its relatively large size, low protein content, and waxy hydrophobic layer, despite their abundance. However, recent studies suggest the possibilities of pine pollens being allergens, and it has been reported that allergy symptoms were highly prevalent in areas with considerably large pine forests and high possibility of exposure to the pollen. Therefore, we conducted a comparative analysis of the allergenicities of the pollens from the dominant species of Korean pines, red pine (Pinus densiflora), black pine (Pinus thunbergii), and pitch pine (Pinus rigida) In order to determine specific allergens , we clarified the protein composition of various pollens which are potentially allergenic, and three different protein compositions, originated from P. densiflora, P.thunbergii, and P. rigida pollen, were identified. Next, we tested antigenicity of the pollens by sensitizing Balb/c mice. As duration of sensitization took longer via skin and airway, all three pollens were able to induce IgE increment. Notably, sensitization through airway induced more IgE than that of skin. Ability of IgE induction was superior in pollen from pine tree than two counterparts, which suggested that the pollen from pine tree is the utmost inducible factor for IgE compare to other pollens from P.thunbergii, and P. rigida. To assess whether the pollens might have antigenicity to human, we carefully measured serum IgE level of patients with pine tree pollens, and concluded that domestic pine tree originated pollens have actual allergenic effects. Analysis of IgE immunoblotting bands revealed not only common antigens (28,36,42,55,72,85kDa) which are already reported, but also new antigens from domestic pine tree originated pollens 36~42kDa, 42~55kDa, and 55~72kDa.