It has been well known for a long time that Rhus species are belonged botanically to same family called family Anacardacea and their allergenic components are identical because it contains 3-pentadecyl catechol. However, Mason (1954) and some investigators suggest the.possibility that some individuals may be sensitive to a component of the oleoresin other than 3-pentadecyl catechol.
By this suggestion, author performed the patch test on´ 138 individuals with 4 species of Korean Rhus tree (Rhus verniciflua, Rhus trichocarpa, Rhus javanica, and Rhus sylvestris.) and observed the incidence of latent sensitivity to dry leaves of Rhus trees and urushiol.
The patch test results on sensitivity to Rhus verniciflua, Rhus trichocarpa, Rhus javanica, and Rhus sylvestris showed 35.50%, 27.53%, 21.01%, 28. 26%, and 29.71% respectively and these results could make the suggestion that cross sensitivity between each Rhus trees are few and a certain specific antigenic component may be contained in every Rhus tree leaves.
On animal experiment concerning the basic study for the extraction of Rhus tree antigen, author could easily sensitize the guinea pig with urushiol but couldn´t challenge these animal with methanol aceton extract of Rhus leaves.
From these findings, author proposed that Korean Rhus trees are different immunologically to poison ivy tree antigen and a certain specificities of antigeniciy contain in each Korean Rhus.
But this postulation will need further experimental study as multiple step fractionation with Rhus tree.
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