Stimulation of Histamine-Forming Capacity by Antigen in Sensitized Human Leucocytes

Abstract
(1) Three types of experiments showed that histamine is formed during the reaction of antigen (D. pteronyssinus) with leucocytes of allergic human subjects: (a) total histamine of leucocytes (extracted + released) was increased; (b) histamine-forming capacity (HFC) of leucocytes was stimulated by antigen in vitro; (c) HFC of leucocytes was stimulated by injecting antigen in vivo. (2) Stimulation of HFC of leucocytes by antigen may provide a new and sensitive (though cumbersome) in vitro test of allergy.