Antigen-induced bronchial anaphylaxis in actively sensitized guinea-pigs. Pattern of response in relation to immunization regimen.

This work studies the temporal development of the acute anaphylactic bronchoconstriction in guinea-pigs sensitized to ovalbumin by different regimens, including IgE-antibody promoting ones. The results show that guinea-pigs sensitized with low amounts (1-10 micrograms) of ovalbumin together with alum produce the most pronounced bronchospasm when challenged with an intravenous injection of a low dose of antigen. Examination of the antibody classes by PCA technique shows that guinea-pigs sensitized with small amounts of antigen together with alum produced IgE and IgG1 antibodies. However, in sera from animals immunized with large amounts of antigen, only IgG1 antibodies could be detected.