Characterization of IgE-Induced Systemic Anaphylaxis in the Rabbit. Lack of Correlation between the Intravascular Release of Histamine and Anaphylactic Sensitivity

Abstract

The administration of viable adult peritoneal exudate cells together with soluble bovine serum albumin (BSA) to newborn rabbits facilitated the subsequent development of anaphylactic sensitivity to BSA. In contrast, the administration of killed peritoneal exudate cells to littermates of the above rabbits did not result in the development of anaphylactic sensitivity. Both groups of rabbits had statistically similar incidences of detectable anti-BSA IgE antibody immediately before anaphylactic challenge on day 91, and no other class of anti-BSA antibody was detectable. Anaphylactic positive and negative rabbits were compared for differences in IgE-induced intravascular changes that occurred after anaphylactic challenge. Although substantial decreases in total blood histamine, basophils, and platelets were observed 1 hr after anaphylactic challenge, no statistical differences between the two groups were noted. These data indicate that the phenotypic expression of IgE-induced anaphylactic sensitivity in the rabbit is dependent upon factors in addition to those controlling the circulating levels of free and basophil-bound IgE antibody.