A Quantitative Study of the Arthus Phenomenon Induced Passively in the Rabbit

Abstract

The relationships between the quantities of anti-egg albumin nitrogen and of egg albumin nitrogen and the intensity of the Arthus phenomenon elicited passively in the skin of rabbits have been studied. Minimal Arthus reactions result regularly from intracutaneous injection of about 25 μg of anti-egg albumin nitrogen and are independent of the route by which antigen is administered. If the antibody is given intravenously one to two milligrams of anti-egg albumin nitrogen are required to yield a positive reaction on subsequent intracutaneous injection of egg albumin at a single site. Injection of antigen at several sites in rabbits passively sensitized by intravenous injection of anti-egg albumin gives reactions of reduced intensity.