MECHANISMS OF IMMUNOLOGIC INJURY OF RAT PERITONEAL MAST CELLS

Abstract

There is an absolute requirement for C'1, C'2, C'4, C'3, and C'5 in releasing histamine from rat peritoneal mast cells sensitized with rabbit anti-rat gamma globulin. This conclusion is based upon the restoration of histamine-releasing capacity by adding highly purified complement components to sera deficient in one or more of these components. Of special advantage was the availability of sera from humans with inborn or acquired deficiencies in a single component.