Anaphylaxis in the Monkey: Pulmonary Oedema after Pre‐treatment with β‐Receptor Stimulants

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Abstract
Aggregate anaphylaxis was induced in 7 ovalbumin-sensitized monkeys [Macaca irus] with high titers of ovalbumin specific hemagglutinating antibodies. After pretreatment with an i.v. injection of 0.25 mg/kg terbutaline or an infusion of isoprenaline, anaphylactic shock was induced by i.v. challenge with specific antigen. Hemodynamics, regional blood flows, respiratory mechanics, blood gases and hematological changes were studied during the following 30 min. Severe shock developed following ovalbumin challenge and the cardiac output was reduced by a mean of 74%. Pulmonary vascular resistance increased 11-fold. Pulmonary dynamic compliance decreased, but there was only a minor increase in pulmonary resistance. Hypoxemia and severe metabolic acidosis developed. Circulating platelets and leukocytes decreased markedly. Three animals died with fulminant pulmonary edema. The reaction pattern was similar to that found in studies of monkeys that received no prior treatment. The occurrence of pulmonary edema suggests that the effects of large doses of terbutaline on the heart, combined with the high pulmonary vascular resistance, resulted in more severe pulmonary changes than took place in untreated animals.