SENSITIZATION BY INSULIN TO THE DEXTRAN "ANAPHYLACTOID" REACTION

Abstract

A single subcutaneous injection of crystalline insulin (20 units) sensitizes considerably the rats to the dextran "anaphylactoid" reaction. This is a type of acute serous inflammation. Insulin precipitates the reaction after a very small dose of dextran (0.05-0.01 ml., 6% solution) has been injected into a "shock organ". Without insulin, such small doses of dextran are quite ineffective. Insulin also precipitates the reaction when dextran (1.0 ml., 6% solution) is injected peripherally on the back. In this site and at this dose, it rarely produces the reaction in normal rats. The sensitization manifests itself despite a cortisone pretreatment.