PREPARATION AND EFFECTS OF AN ANTI-MAST CELL SERUM

Abstract

In an attempt to obtain an antiserum that would bring about widespread destruction of mast cells in the rat, rabbits were immunized with mast cells isolated from the peritoneal cavities of rats. Striking evidence of anti-mast cell activity was indicated in vivo by mast cell disruption and in vitro by positive interfacial precipitin tests of the serum from rabbits so treated. The time course of the production of anti-mast cell activity in the rabbit serum was established. Normal rabbit serum was without effect on mast cells in the several tests. The same was true for rabbit anti-rat liver serum except when it was applied directly to tissues containing mast cells. In the latter case mast cell disruption ensued, but it appeared different from that evoked by anti-mast cell serum.