IGE ANTIBODY SUPPRESSION FOLLOWING AEROSOL EXPOSURE TO ANTIGENS

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 43  (2) , 227-234
Abstract
Exposure of mice to aerosolized antigens induced a low level IgG1 response but no detectable IgE antibodies. Subsequent i.p. immunization of these mice demonstrated Ig class-specific IgE suppression. Low nebulized antigen concentrations induced IgE suppression which was antigen specific and persisted on subsequent secondary and tertiary injections. Although a single aerosolized antigen exposure significantly decreased the IgE response, maximal suppression was observed when the mice were exposed to nebulized antigen once weekly for at least 6 wk. The suppression was not observed until 3 wk following nebulizer exposure. Mice exposed once weekly to nebulized antigen for 6 wk and then rested for 2 mo. before i.p. immunization still demonstrated suppression. Animals first immunized i.p. and then exposed to nebulized antigen produced normal secondary IgE and IgG1 responses. Apparently antigen exposure by aerosol may profoundly alter the IgE response.