Experimental allergic neuritis: a new experimental approach.

The technique of macrophage migration, as a specific measure of delayed or cellular hypersensitivity, was applied to the guinea-pig model of experimental allergic neuritis (EAN) to explore the relevance of hypersensitivity to peripheral and central nervous system antigens. Results indicate that in EAN there is hypersensitivity to central as well as peripheral nervous tissue antigens. In contrast, animals with experimental allergic encephalitis showed hypersensitivity only to the central nervous system antigen used. These studies provide further evidence of the role of hypersensitivity to nervous system antigens in the pathogenesis of EAN and provide evidence of a common antigenic component to both peripheral and central nervous system antigens. A preliminary hypothesis is proposed.