Experimental Sensitization with Particular Reference to Picryl Chloride

Abstract

Allergy to picryl chloride (PC) can be induced in guinea pigs by injecting this material intradermally or intraperitoneally together with killed mycobacteria or by injecting conjugates of PC with erythrocyte "ghosts" together with killed mycobacteria. Intramuscular sensitization can best be effected by the latter mixture suspended in paraffin oil. Genetic factors influence the degree of hypersensitivity mostly by predisposing the host''s response to the mycobacteria. In sensitized animals, intradermal injection or dropping into the eye of dilute solutions of PC in olive oil elicit typical allergic reactions.