Immunological changes during cockroach immunotherapy.

Data obtained in a 3-year survey of specific immunotherapy (SIT) with a Periplaneta americana antigen (Pa-1) are presented. Parameters such as serum IgE-paperadioimmunosorbent test, specific IgE and IgG, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4 and IL-4R levels were recorded before and after SIT. While serum IgE levels and IgE-RAST-anti-Pa-1 did not change throughout SIT (p = not significant), IgG-RAST-anti-Pa-1 showed a marked increase from the first year (p < 0.002 to p < 0.001). Only after 3 years of SIT did the serum levels of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-4R show lower values than before this period (p = 0.05, p = 0.05, p = 0.01, respectively). The comparative statistical analysis of the cytokine data between the nonatopic subjects and the atopic treated patients revealed no significant differences (p = 0.02). The symptomatic scores showed significant results at the third year of SIT in sneezing attacks, nose blowing and nasal obstruction (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively).