Comparison of petals allergenicity in two ontogenetic stages of Cytisus scoparius L. in guinea pig

Flowers aromatic compounds are the major inhaled allergens. The aim of this research was the comparison of petals allergenicity of in two ontogenetic stages, middle-aged and older of Cytisus scoparius; and Identifying dependence of allergenicity with developmental stages of extremely aromatic petals. In order to evaluate the petals allergenicity, 18 Hartley guinea pigs were randomly selected and divided into three equal groups. 16% petals buffered extracts were prepared and then subcutaneous injection of extracts and also macroscopic examinations was performed. In order to confirm the petals allergenicity, immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels was measured using ELISA method, and the number of eosinophils and finally blood glucose in guinea pig blood samples was evaluated. Data were analyzed in SPSS16 software using independent t-test. In guinea pigs treated with middle-aged petal extract, IgE, eosinophil count and also blood glucose significantly increased in comparison to control group, whereas in guinea pigs treated with older petal extract, there was no significant difference between the treatment and control groups. Only, the diameter of wheals in skin test significantly increased in both treatment groups compared to control group (p<0.001). In the electrophoretic profiles, in the area of allergen band, about 4 more specific protein bands ranged 27-85 kDa in the middle-aged petals; and 3 bands ranged 46-85 kDa in older petals was observed. This study showed that the potency of immune system stimulation of middle-aged petals is more than older petals.