Dictionary of Biological Psychology
An allergy is an extreme reaction to an ANTIGEN present in the environment: antigens that produce an allergic reaction are called allergens. The most common allergies—hay fever for example, an allergic reaction to specific types of plant pollen—involve IgE antibodies (see ANTIBODY) interacting with MAST CELLS, producing exaggerated release of HISTAMINE (which is why antihistamines are the most common anti-allergy drugs). Typical symptoms of allergy include runny nose (rhinitis), watering eyes, and contraction of smooth muscles (which can, in very extreme cases produce difficulties with BREATHING).
It is of particular interest to biological psychologists to note that animals can often induce allergic reactions in people. Of special concern is laboratory animal allergy, an allergic reaction to a protein in rat urine.
This protein will contaminate the rats’ bedding and can become airborne in the dust present in labs. It is estimated that as many as one in three lab workers will show some form of allergic reaction to rats. The mildest forms are skin rash (urticaria—nettle rash) which requires direct contact with the rat and breaking of the skin (which can be caused just by the rats’ tail brushing across one’s wrist while holding a rat). More severe forms involve rhinitis and breathing difficulties. Medication to combat these symptoms is available, but there is no long-term cure for the condition.
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