Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in the domestic fowl.

Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) has been demonstrated in young and adult domestic fowl using antisera obtained from actively sensitized chickens on the day of their maximal susceptibility to systemic anaphylaxis. Young chickens are more sensitive to histamine and PCA reaction than adults. The PCA reaction was inhibited by the H1-histamine receptor blocker, mepyramine. In the PCA reaction of 2 h sensitization period, the main exudating cells were heterophils, mononuclear cells (lymphocytes, monocytes and macrophages) and some basophils. This study suggests a possible role for circulating basophils in the mediation of early acute inflammatory reaction of immunological origin.