The amount of (1→3)-β- D-glucan in three species of fungi was measured dur ing different phases of growth and after death. The amounts were the same in living and dead spores, but not related to growing time or medium. The amount of (1→3)-β-D-glucan was significantly higher in Stachybotrus than in Penicillium and Aspergillus. In view of the well known effects of (1→3)-β-D- glucan on the immune system, the results suggest that this agent may be a better indicator of risk in indoor environments than airborne viable or dead spores.
Cuijpers Cej, Swaen Gmh, Wesseling G., Sturmans F., Wouters Efm: Adverse effects of the indoor environment of respiratory health in primary school children. Environ Res1995;68: 11-23.
2.
Dales RE, Burnett R., Zwanenburg H.: Adverse health effects among adults exposed to home dampness and moulds. Am Rev Respir Dis1991;143:505-509.
3.
Jaakkola Jjk , Jaakkola N., Ruotsalainen R.: Home dampness and moulds as determinants of respiratory symptoms and asthma in preschool children. J Exposure Annal Environ Epidemiol1993;3:129-142.
4.
Strachan DP, Carey IM: Home environment and severe asthma in adolescence: A population based case-control study. Br J Med1995; 311:1053-1056.
5.
Rao, CY, Burge HA: Review of quantitative standards and guidelines for fungi in indoor air. J Air Waste Management Assoc1996;46: 899-908.
6.
Verhoeff AP, van Reenen-Hoekstra ES, Samson RA, Brunekreef B., van Wijnen JH: Fungal propagules in house dust. I. Allergy1994;49: 533-539.
7.
Verhoeff AP, van Wijnen JH, van Reenen-Hoekstra ES, Samson RA, van Strien RT, Brunekreef B.: Fungal propagules in house dust. II. Allergy1994;49:540-547.
8.
Rylander R.: Sick building syndrome; in Basomba A, Sastre J (eds): 16th Eur Congr Allergol Clin Immunol. Bologna, Monduzzi, 1995, pp 409-414.
9.
Williams DL: Overview of (1→3)-β-D-glucan chemistry, immunobiology and toxicology ; in Wakelyn P, Jacobs RR, Rylander R (eds): Proc 20th Cotton Other Organic Dusts Conf, Natl Cotton Council , Memphis, 1996, pp 285-288.
10.
Fogelmark B. , Rylander R., Sjöstrand M.: Pulmonary inflammation induced by repeated inhalations of (1→3)-β-D-glucan and endotoxin. Int JExp Pathol1994;75:85-90.
11.
Rylander R. , Persson K., Goto H., Yuasa K., Tanaka S.: Airborne β, 1-3 glucan may be related to symptoms in sick buildings. Indoor Environ1992 ;1:263-267.
12.
Rylander R. , Hsieh V., Courteheuse C.: The first case of sick building syndrome in Switzerland. Indoor Environ1994;3:159-162.
13.
Rylander R. : Airway responsiveness and chest symptoms after inhalation of endotoxin or (1→3)-β-D-glucan. Indoor Built Environ1996; 5:106-111.
14.
Tamura H., Arimoto Y., Tanaka S., Yoshida S., Obayashi T., Kawai T.: Automated kinetic assay for endotoxin and (1→3)-β-D-glucan in human blood. Clin Chim Acta1994;226:109-112.
15.
Fogelmark B. , Rylander R., Lacey J.: Experimental allergic alveolitis after inhalation of mouldy hay. J Clin Lab Immunol1992;30:81-85.
16.
Etzel RA: Acute pulmonary hemorrhage/hemosiderosis among infants - Cleveland, January 1993 - November 1994. Morbid Mortality Weekly Rep1995;43:881-883.
17.
Etzel RA: Acute pulmonary hemorrhage among infants - Chicago April 1992 - November 1994 . Morbid Mortality Weekly Rep1995; 44:67-74.
18.
Ruiz-Herrera J.: Biosynthesis of beta-glucans in fungi. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek1991;60:72-81.
