Hypersensitivtiy responses in monkeys. VI. P-K, histamine, 48-80 responses after challenges with heterologous antigen or the other agents.

Abstract

The challenge of a naturally occurring antibody (to ascaris) in the monkey produced either a marked or total inactivation of a passively transferred human reaginic antibody (to ragweed). A strong single challenge (ascaris, 48‐80 or histamine) reduced the titre of reactivity of the three agents, but the greatest effect appeared to result from the ascaris challenge on the ascaris titre. These findings may support the occurrence of specific desensitization in addition to mediator depletion. It is concluded that in monkeys as well as in man studies dealing with relationships between antigen–antibody systems, mediator releasers and mediators must take into consideration the non‐specific modification of injury to antibodies produced by heterologous antigen‐antibody reactions and mediators.