Effect of Oreodoxa oleracea Jacq. pollen protein allergen in albino mice

Introduction
Pollen trigger allergenic reactions in hypersensitive individuals due to the presence of protein in their sporoderm.

Aim
Pollen protein produced by Oreodoxa oleracea was subjected to allergenicity test in mice in order to determine its allergenic potential.

Material and methods
Pollen protein was extracted using 0.02 M phosphate buffered saline and used to inoculate mice by two subcutaneous and one intranasal injections weekly for 4 weeks. Blood samples were obtained by retro-orbital bleedings, sera obtained were used in detecting immunoglobulin E (IgE) by immunoperoxidase assay. Values of immune cell and IgE elicited in mice were analysed using SPSS statistical package version 20.

Results
Oreodoxa oleracea yielded 208 µg/ml pollen protein allergen. Inoculation of pollen protein in mice produced dermatophytic allergic reactions which physically presented as swelling, rashes and hair loss. Pollen protein skewed basophil production and infiltration of lymphocytes by 1–62% and 58–99% respectively in relation to controls. Histopathology analysis showed inflammation within the lung parenchyma.

Conclusions
The present study is the first study to evaluate the allergenic potential of Oreodoxa oleracea in mice. The findings revealed that Oreodoxa oleracea which is profoundly planted in pubic areas for aesthetic purposes possess allergenic effect.