Cytodestructive mechanisms provoked by food antigens. I. Direct, allergic autocytotoxicity.

In vitro challenge of peripheral white blood cells (WBC) from 62 food sensitive patients and 22 asymptomatic control individuals was performed using standardized extract of cow milk, corn and wheat. 81% of the patients reacted at least toward one food antigen, showing disintegration of WBC, as measured by trypan blue exclusion technique. The presented experimental condition of the direct binding between food antigen and cell wall membrane suggests that this phenomenon is multicellular in its origin. The interpretation of these studies is of distinct value in directing human food hypersensitivity research in the future.