Anaphylaxis in the dog

Abstract

1. Dogs in severe anaphylactic shock have been bled to death, and the blood has been used to transfuse normal dogs. No symptoms of any kind have been produced. Hence the conclusion is drawn that the symptoms of anaphylaxis are not due to the presence of toxic substances in the blood.

2. The liver of sensitized dogs has been perfused with normal blood by means of anastomosis of the portal vein with the carotid of another dog. The blood, as it flows from the inferior cava, clots within a few minutes. If the antigen (horse serum) is injected into the connecting tubing, the blood in the cava soon becomes less coagulable, or quite incoagulable. The conclusion is drawn that the incoagulability of the blood is due, at least in part, to the reaction of the sensitized liver cells to the antigen.

3. Peptone shock has long been known to resemble anaphylactic shock closely, and the inference has generally been drawn that the latter is due to the production and circulation of peptone-like bodies. But the transfusion experiments above described do not bear out this theory. The suggestion is made that these two syndromes coincide for the reason that both alike result from a reaction of the liver. Phosphorus and chloroform, both hepatic poisons, also produce entirely similar changes in the chemistry and coagulability of the blood. Peptone is known to protect sensitized animals against anaphylactic shock. I have found that phosphorus or chloroform poisoning exerts a similar effect. The conclusion is drawn that the liver may be partially exhausted by any of these methods, and will not then react as acutely in anaphylactic shock.

4. Anaphylaxis in dogs is a cellular phenomenon, due chiefly, if not wholly, to the reaction of the sensitized liver cells.