Release of slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis from layers of guinea pig aorta.

Release of slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A) from layers of ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pig aorta after antigenic challenge in vitro was investigated. SRS-A was determined by bioassay and in terms of leukotriene C4-like immunoreactivity using radioimmunoassay. While no SRS-A could be detected before challenge, the adventitia released considerable amounts of SRS-A after addition of antigen to the incubation medium. On the other hand, an inner layer of the aortic wall consisting of smooth muscle tissue with some adherent endothelium released only small amounts of SRS-A after challenge.