Influence of the Ionic Strength of the Medium on the Velocity of Passive Anaphylactic Sensitization in Vitro

Abstract

The influence of the electrolyte composition of the incubation medium on the velocity of passive anaphylactic sensitization of isolated guinea pig ileum in vitro has been studied. It has been found that the rate of sensitization, as calculated from the time of incubation necessary to obtain the same anaphylactic response, is much greater in media with low electrolytic concentration than in standard Tyrode's solution. This effect is a function of the ionic strength of the medium and is not related to the chemical nature of the ions. In low electrolytic media, the rate of sensitization is influenced by the pH, the velocity being maximal at pH about 7. The hypothetical implications of these findings in the mechanism of anaphylactic sensitization are discussed.