THE MAJOR ALLERGEN. Der p I, OF THE HOUSE DUST MITE IS A SECRETORY PRODUCT OF THE MITE ALIMENTARY CANAL

摘要

Der p I has Been described as the major allergen from the house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus). Its major source is the mite fnecal particies. Little is known about its natural synthesis and nothing aoout its site of production within the mite. It could be present in the faeces either as a Di-product of food degradation in the alimentnry canal or as a result of synthesis and secretion oy the alimentary or excretory systems.Pure cultures of mites were grown on bovine serum albumin (BSA). Cultures were examined at 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after 125I-BSA was introduced to the cultures. The proteins were separated by chromatofocussing and characterised by immunodiffusion and electrophoretic techniques. Counting of protein fractions with an LKB rack gamma counter demonstrated that the Der p I protein peak only acquired significant radioactivity from the 14th day. If the protein was a digestive product, it would probably have appeared earlier. The mite body allergens became radioactive after a similar lag.The slow incorporation of the radiolabel suggests that Der p I is synthesisod and secreted by the gastro-intestinal or excretory tracts.