Objective: The purpose of this study is to test the postulated immuno cross-reactivity between proteins derived from raw gutta percha (RGP), gutta percha point (GPP) and natural rubber latex (NRL).
Methods: Antigenicity and cross-reactivity of proteins were determined by the FITkit (FITBiotech, Finland) and ELISA inhibition assays.
Results: Antigenicity of proteins derived from RGP or GPP was not demonstrated. Except for NRL glove extracts, neither extracts from RGP or GPP were reactive in ELISA inhibition assay.
Significance: There is no immunologic cross-reactivity in vitro between proteins derived from RGP or GPP, and from NRL gloves. Thus, therapeutic use of GPP is unlikely to initiate adverse immuno-reactivity in individuals previously sensitized to NRL proteins.