In vitro Anaphylaxis in the Sensitized Mouse Uterus

Abstract

The Schultz-Dale technique for demonstrating anaphylaxis in vitro was used successfully on uteri from egg white sensitized mice. The anaphylactic reaction persisted in the presence of either atropine or Benadryl, thus ruling out any major role for histamine or acetylcholine in mouse anaphylaxis. Further evidence that histamine is not involved is the fact that no change in the uterine mast cells was detected following in vitro anaphylaxis. Pertussis vaccine administered under varying conditions did not increase in vitro sensitivity to anaphylaxis. Immunization with egg white alone increased histamine sensitivity in vitro as much as did the pertussis vaccine.