Insulin allergy

Clin Rev Allergy. 1986 May;4(2):189-200. doi: 10.1007/BF02991108.

Abstract

While immunologic responses to insulin such as cutaneous reactivity and antibody against insulin are common significant clinical problems related to those immunologic reactions are uncommon. Immunologic responses that have been described included Gell and Coombs type I, II, and IV. The antigen may be the result of any of several factors: insulin as a heterologous protein, altered tertiary structure of insulin, presence of non-insulin protein contaminants, or pharmaceutical formulation additives. IgE mediated local reactions are the most common and almost always subside spontaneously. IgE mediated anaphylaxis is the most important immunologic problem; it can be managed safely and successfully by temporary reduction in dose or by insulin desensitization. Other systemic immunologic reactions, insulin resistance and serum sickness, are extremely rare and respond to corticosteroid therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anaphylaxis / chemically induced
  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Coombs Test
  • Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
  • Desensitization, Immunologic
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / complications
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / diagnosis
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / etiology*
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Drug Interactions
  • Epitopes / immunology
  • HLA Antigens / genetics
  • HLA Antigens / immunology
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity, Delayed / immunology
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / chemically induced
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin E / analysis
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Insulin / adverse effects*
  • Insulin / immunology
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Serum Sickness / immunology
  • Skin Tests
  • Swine

Substances

  • Epitopes
  • HLA Antigens
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Insulin
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Prednisone