Identification of allergens in dog dander extract. I. Clinical and immunological aspects of allergenicity activity.

Allergenic activity of mixed dog dander extract was compared with dog serum albumin by skin testing, RAST testing and RAST inhibition. Whereas albumin is a potent allergen, additional lower molecular weight allergens determined by sucrose density gradient centrifugation and immunoelectrophoresis were found. Identification of the most potent allergens and standardization of extract used for testing and treatment is a necessary prerequisite in understanding dog dander hypersensitivity.