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         To try to clarify the relation of gluten to asthma and allergy, let
me interpret the redoubtable Dr. Reichelt, whose work is available in the
celiac archives. I would be glad to be corrected, or hear anyone's expanded
commentary, on the following:
         Classical celiac disease is more a toxicological reaction (of
genetic basis) than an allergic one. Another class of reaction occurs when
elements of the immune system attack the gluten molecules or their peptide
metabolites (gliadin, etc), probably mistaking them for invading viruses.
There are similar reactions to casein (the main protein in milk) which has a
similar molecular structure. This reaction may the main one involved in
allergic/asthmatics. I am not sure if the body is creating specific
antibodies to battle these substances. Lacking this antibody formation,
these would not be strictly defined as allergies.
        A third type of reaction involves casein and gluten being converted
by the body into opioids- casomorphine and gliadomorphine. This is
associated with autism, as the opioids are able to cross the blood-brain
barrier.
       I wonder if this opioid reaction may also be involved in allergy
since there are any number of receptors throughout the nervous system that
would be affected by opioids. How much of that feeling of well being (not
for me!) after drinking a glass of warm milk might come from the effect of
the calcium? the extra tryptophan, precursor of serotonin? or the body's
conversion of casein into casomorphin?

       From my own experience, gluten and casein do not so much trigger my
asthma and allergies but I believe they load my system so that I become more
susceptible to the effects of the substances that I am allergic to. In any
case, if I eat enough wheat and milk, I produce copious mucous and my
airways begin to tighten.
       I am very interested in hearing more on this subject. Feel free to
email me any comments, especially anything scientific. I am also ready to
share the results of my studies on controlling asthma and allergy,
minimizing drugs with anyone who asks.
                       John Hepler         [log in to unmask]