Studies on the Mechanisms of Hypersensitivity Phenomena

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Abstract
Summary: An in vitro procedure has been described which utilizes the release of histamine from human leukocytes for assays of reaginic activity in human sera. The method involves incubation of leukocytes from nonallergic donors with serum of ragweed-sensitive individuals. Heparin and ethylenediaminetetracetic acid are included in the sensitization reaction mixtures. The cells are then freed of bulk serum constituents and tested for their capacity to release histamine on interaction with a purified protein antigen derived from ragweed pollen. The extent of histamine release is used as an index of serum reagin content. Various parameters of the sensitization reaction have been explored to establish optimal conditions for valid comparisons of different specimens. The in vitro procedure yielded a high coefficient of correlation in comparative studies with the Prausnitz-Küstner skin test. Serum assays for passive leukocyte sensitization (PLS) indicate that allergic individuals experience an annual increase in reaginic activity which is initiated during the pollination season. Highest PLS titers have been observed in the early fall, and lowest titers in August. Therapeutic immunization diminishes the annual pollen-induced elevation of PLS activity.

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