Comparative Effects of Glycogen and Antigen-Antibody Reactions on Serotonin and Histamine in the Rabbit

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Abstract
When antigen is added to whole blood from a rabbit sensitized to the antigen, serotonin and histamine are released from the platelets. When the antigen is injected intravenously, serotonin and histamine are also released, platelets and leucocytes are trapped in the lungs, and the whole blood concentration of both serotonin and histamine is markedly reduced. If an antigen-antibody precipitate is added to normal rabbit blood or is injected intravenously into a normal rabbit, similar results are obtained as described above. This indicates that the results seen in sensitized animals are secondary to the effects of the antigen-antibody complex. When glycogen is used with normal rabbits, identical changes in platelets and leucocytes, and serotonin and histamine are found as during hypersensitivity reactions in this animal species. The possible role of a polysaccharide during anaphylaxis may be indicated.