sodium-oxybate and Dermatitis--Contact

A practical, rapid, reliable and sensitive method for the isolation and determination of the allergens tuliposide A and alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone (tulipalin A), by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), has been developed in order to select Alstroemeria species for breeding purposes. From the aqueous extracts of flowers, stems and leaves, of several Alstroemeria species, the contents of 6-tuliposide A and tulipalin A were determined by isocratic RP-HPLC, using distilled water as mobile phase. The compounds were detected by an UV detector at 208 nm. Differences in 6-tuliposide A and tulipalin A content were found among the species investigated, with the highest concentrations in stems and flowers. The absence of other tuliposides (e.g., 1-tuliposide A, 1- and 6-tuliposide B) in extracts was proven by TLC, RP-HPLC, 1H- and 13C-NMR. 6-Tuliposide A and tulipalin A were identified by 1H- and 13C-NMR and comparison with authentic material, respectively. With this HPLC method, it is possible to investigate a large number of plants for their contents of tuliposide A and tulipalin A, within a minimum of time, and to isolate them directly from aqueous extracts.

Topics: 4-Butyrolactone; Allergens; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Dermatitis, Contact; Glycosides; Humans; Plants; Sodium Oxybate

Concern about the increasing incidence of hand dermatitis in floral shop workers in the United States and its possible association to the plant Alstroemeria, a flower that has become popular since its introduction in 1981, prompted investigation of the prevalence and cause of hand dermatitis in a sample of floral workers. Fifty-seven floral workers were surveyed, and 15 (26%) reported hand dermatitis within the previous 12 months. Sixteen floral workers (eight with dermatitis) volunteered to be patch tested to the North American Contact Dermatitis Group Standard and Perfume Trays, a series of eight pesticides and 20 plant allergens. Of four of seven floral designers and arrangers who reported hand dermatitis, three reacted positively to patch tests to tuliposide A, the allergen in Alstroemeria. Patch test readings for all other plant extracts were negative. A positive reading for a test to one pesticide, difolatan (Captafol), was noted, the relevance of which is unknown.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Allergens; Dermatitis, Contact; Dermatitis, Occupational; Female; Glycosides; Hand Dermatoses; Humans; Male; Patch Tests; Pennsylvania; Plants; Prevalence; Sodium Oxybate

Tulip fingers, an allergic contact dermatitis from handling tulip bulbs, is a common occupational problem among workers in the European tulip industry. We describe five of nine workers who sort and package flower bulbs at a central Pennsylvania bulb distribution center; all five had tulip fingers confirmed by positive patch tests to pieces of tulip bulbs and to tuliposide A, the allergen in tulips. The diagnosis of tulip fingers should be considered in any patient with a hand dermatitis who works in the flower industry, especially those who frequently handle bulbs.

Topics: 4-Butyrolactone; Adult; Aged; Dermatitis, Contact; Dermatitis, Occupational; Female; Fingers; Glycosides; Hand Dermatoses; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Patch Tests; Plants; Sodium Oxybate

Topics: Allergens; Dermatitis, Contact; Glycosides; Humans; Plants; Skin Tests; Sodium Oxybate

Two female florists developed dermatitis of the fingertips. Patch testing revealed allergic contact dermatitis to the flower, Alstroemeria, used in floral arrangements. They had positive patch tests to portions of Alstroemeria, and to tuliposide A, the allergen in this plant. Vinyl gloves were not helpful since tuliposide A readily penetrates through these gloves. Nitrile gloves may be protective since they prevented positive patch test to tuliposide A.

Topics: Adult; Allergens; Dermatitis, Contact; Dermatitis, Occupational; Female; Glycosides; Hand Dermatoses; Humans; Patch Tests; Plants; Protective Clothing; Sodium Oxybate