Allergy Plants

Allergies Disease of the immune system Caused by common everyday organism not foreign microorganisms About 20% of the US population suffers from allergies over 50 million people Most common are hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and asthma

IgE Antibodies and Mast Cells When allergenic protein attaches to IgE, it causes changes to the mast cell Mast cell releases many chemicals like histamines, leukotrienes, prostaglandins,etc Chemicals cause the allergy symptoms of  respiratory allergies: hay fever or asthma  intestinal symptoms of food allergies  skin allergies - eczema or dermatitis

Mast Cells

Hayfever Most common form of allergy In US, 35 to 40 million people afflicted Typical symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, watery and itchy eyes, itchy ears Strongly linked to sinusitis, ear infections, nasal polyps, and asthma We spend $2 billion annually on medication

Airborne Allergens Outdoor Allergens Pollen Fungal Spores Indoor Allergens Fungal Spores Dust mites Cockroaches Animal Dander

Hay Fever Plants Produce abundant quantities of lightweight pollen that is dispersed by wind Pollen can remain airborne for extended periods and often be carried long distances Majority settles out close to their source Most important hay fever plants grow close to human populations

Wind Pollinated Flowers Flowers small and inconspicuous often an inflorescence Often lacking sepals and petals; no nectar Pollen small, dry, light, and abundant Stigma Ovary

Pollen Seasons in Tulsa Trees -- Spring pollen starting in early February through May - greatest levels Grasses -- Primarily May and June but some continuing all summer Weeds -- August through October with ragweed the chief culprit  One ragweed plant can release 1 billion pollen  1 million tons/year in North America

Tulsa Tree Pollen Season Red cedar Elm Maple Hackberry Cottonwood Sycamore Birch Oak Ash Mulberry Pecan Willow Pine Walnut

Oak Pollen - Most Abundant

Short Ragweed-Ambrosia artemesiifolia

Giant Ragweed - Ambrosia trifida

Giant Ragweed

Juniperus ashei Juniperus ashei = Mountain cedar Arbuckle Mts of Oklahoma (500,000 acres) Edwards Plateau of Texas Highly allergenic (cedar fever in Texas)  Tulsa allergist reported 15% patient sensitivity Mid-winter pollination (Dec. and Jan.)  Before the local tree pollen Evidence of pollen in Tulsa atmosphere

Distribution of Juniperus ashei