Gutta-percha does not include main latex allergens. American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology

摘要

Gutta-percha, a trans-polyisoprene, is a rubber-like gum obtained from the viscous milky latex of the Paliquium tree in southeast Asia. It is used in electrical insulation, dentistry (root canal filling), and the manufacture of golf balls. The close molecular structures of gutta-percha and natural rubber, which are botanically closely related, account for a number of similarities in physical properties and raise the question of potential cross-allergenicity. Actually, several case reports documented potential life-threatening allergic reactions in latex-allergic patients after exposure to guttapercha. Besides, Costa et al, using a radioallergosorbent test inhibition method, detected no cross-reactivity between gutta-percha and natural rubber. In contrast, Hamann et al,4 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay inhibition and skin tests, demonstrated some allergic cross-reactivity between raw gutta-percha and raw natural rubber.