Immunoblot Analysis of Allergens in Mosquito, Culex pipiens

Abstract

Purpose : Adverse reactions to mosquito bites have been recognized for some time,

and these usually consist of large swellings, generalized urticaria, angioedema, and less

frequently asthma. There have been some efforts to define immunologic characteristics

of mosquito allergens throughout the world. But, in Korea, the immunologic analysis of

mosquito allergen have not been made.

Methods : Extracts of locally distributed female mosquito Culex pipiens, were prepared

from their heads and thoraxes. By sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel

electrophoresis, proteins of two extracts were isolated. Then their proein bands were

transferred to nitrocellulose membrane. Immunoblotting was performed with sera of

allergic patients to mosquito bites, then completed by antibodies to human IgE.

Results : Immunoblotting showed IgE binding proteins weighing 70 kD, 60 kD, 34 kD

in Culex pipiens.

Conclusion : We found that mosquito antigens induced IgE response, and it suggested

that species-specific antigens exist. Further investigation using salivary gland extracts

from Culex genus are needed in identifying specific allergens.