Macrophotograph of an inflorescenece (flowering shoot) of the cocksfoot grass Dactylis glomerata, showing pollen-bearing anthers (tiny boat-shaped structures) dangling from individual flowers. Cocksfoot pollen, a summer grass pollen abundant in June, is a cause of hay fever. Sufferers produce a sensitising antibody, immunoglobin E (IgE), which attaches to cells in the nose & eyes. It reacts with inhaled pollen (allergen) causing the release of various chemicals, including histamine. Histamine causes the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes & throat to swell & become inflamed, bringing on the familiar hay fever symptoms. Mag: X2 at 35mm size.