Potentiating effect of D-2-O on the ascaris-induced, reagin-mediated model of asthma in the Rhesus monkey studied with a double aerosolized antigen challenge technique.

Rhesus monkeys with IgE-mediated sensitivity have respiratory reactions following aerosol challenge with antigen. Studies of agents affecting this response have previously been limited by variations in animal responsiveness at different times. A method for avoiding this variability was tested in these experiments by comparing the degree of response to two antigen challenges during the same experiment and subsequently repeating the experiment with antigen dissolved in a mixture of H-2-O and D-2-O. D-2-O was selected for testing because it should theoretically potentiate histamine-mediated respiratory responses. The results of the studies indicated that there is a potentiating effect of D-2-O on the antigen-induced respiratory response in rhesus monkeys. The double antigen challenge system described should have potential use for study of a variety of inhibiting or potentiating agents on the rhesus model of asthma.