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Differences in atmospheric emissions of Poaceae pollen and Lol p 1 allergen

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Abstract

The allergens of different grass species share similar physicochemical and immunological features that account for the high incidence of allergenic cross-reactivity. We aimed to gain more information on the correlation between Poaceae airborne pollen and allergen concentration and hence make a reliable assessment of true pollen exposure in different bioclimatic areas. The release of Lol p 1 allergen from grass pollen differs between years and areas depending on variables like meteorological factors, biological sources, and cross-reactions with homologous allergens. This study monitored airborne pollen concentrations of grasses and Lol p 1 aeroallergen in León and Ourense, two cities with different climatic conditions located in northwestern Spain. Lol p 1 content in aerosol samples was quantified using specific ELISA antibody plates. Some our results show that Lol p 1 concentration increases when the atmospheric relative humidity is below 70%. This could explain the appearance of protein peaks at times when little or no grass pollen is present, especially after a short and heavy storm.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Juan Asturias from Bial-Arístegui Spain for technical support and Anne Collins for editing the English text. This study was supported by grant CGL2006-15103-C04-03, Department of Science and Technology, and grant LE044A07, Junta de Castilla y León. Spain.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biodiversity and Environmental Management, Faculty of Biology, University of León, León, Spain

    Delia Fernández-González

  2. Department of Plant Biology and Soil Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Vigo, Ourense, Spain

    F. Javier Rodriguez Rajo & Victoria Jato

  3. Department of Biodiversity and Environmental Management, Faculty of Biology, University of León, León, Spain

    Zulima González Parrado & Rosa M. Valencia Barrera

  4. Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Spain

    Stella Moreno Grau

  5. ISAC-CNR, Bologna, Italy

    Delia Fernández-González

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  1. Delia Fernández-González
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  2. F. Javier Rodriguez Rajo
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  3. Zulima González Parrado
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  4. Rosa M. Valencia Barrera
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  5. Victoria Jato
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Correspondence to Delia Fernández-González.

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Fernández-González, D., Rodriguez Rajo, F.J., González Parrado, Z. et al. Differences in atmospheric emissions of Poaceae pollen and Lol p 1 allergen. Aerobiologia 27, 301–309 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10453-011-9199-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10453-011-9199-x

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