(1→3)-β-d-glucan may contribute to pollen sensitivity

The amount of (1→3)-β-D-glucan in pollen from different plants was evaluated using the Limulus assay with a specific lysate. The amount ranged from 79 to 1800 ng/106 pollen. A calculation of the inhaled dose suggests that the amount of (1→3)-β-D-glucan present during periods with a high pollen content in the air exceeds levels that cause airways inflammation.