Atopy
Predisposition towards allergy / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Atopy is the tendency to produce an exaggerated immunoglobulin E (IgE) immune response to otherwise harmless substances in the environment.[2] Allergic diseases are clinical manifestations of such inappropriate, atopic responses.[2]
Atopy | |
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Other names | Atopic syndrome |
Eczema—a typical atopic manifestation | |
Pronunciation | |
Specialty | Dermatology, immunology |
Atopy may have a hereditary component, although contact with the allergen or irritant must occur before the hypersensitivity reaction can develop (characteristically after re-exposure).[3] Maternal psychological trauma in utero may also be a strong indicator for development of atopy.[4]
The term atopy was coined by Arthur F. Coca and Robert Cooke in 1923.[5][6] Many physicians and scientists use the term "atopy" for any IgE-mediated reaction (even those that are appropriate and proportional to the antigen), but many pediatricians reserve the word "atopy" for a genetically mediated predisposition to an excessive IgE reaction.[7] The term is from Greek ἀτοπία meaning "the state of being out of place", "absurdity".[8]