Journal Top Ten - December 2002

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1 ARTICLE: "An Extract of Stachybotrys chartarum Causes Allergic Asthma-Like Responses in a BALB/c Mouse Model"

Summary: Because environmental exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum has been associated with multiple adverse health effects in humans, the researchers assessed its soluble components for the ability to cause an asthma-like response in a mouse model. Five isolates of S. chartarum were combined and extracted to form an antigen preparation (S. chartarum extract 1 [SCE-1]) to which female mice were sensitized by involuntary aspiration, and then re-exposed at two, three and four weeks. Bovine serum albumin was used as …