Local Cerebral Anaphylaxis in the Dog. II

Abstract

Experimental data were presented 1 on 5 dogs in which each was sensitized with horse serum in the left cerebral motor area after injury to this region. Following an interval of 2 to 4 weeks they received intravenous injections of horse serum. These injections were followed in 4 of the 5 animals by transient right-sided hemiparesis.

The present communication concerns similar experiments on 35 dogs. Three, serving as controls and receiving normal saline into the brain instead of sensitizing protein, showed no subsequent focal reaction on repeated intravenous injection of the test protein. Twenty-one of the remaining 32 dogs showed evidence of local cerebral irritability after intravenous injection of the same protein with which the brain had been previously sensitized. In many of the dogs the local reaction could be repeated and was always confined to the side opposite the sensitized cerebral hemisphere. In a few animals which were kept alive over a long period of time the same reaction occurred almost as often as the intravenous injection was made, provided proper intervals between injections were allowed. One animal showed a focal convulsive seizure which became generalized and eventuated in death.

For the most part horse serum and egg albumen were used as the sensitizing proteins. A few protocols are cited to bring out special points:

DOG NO. 17. Small female Airedale.

1- 7–32. The left side of the brain was exposed and an agar disc containing horse serum, 1 mm. thick and 1.5 cm. in diameter, was placed against the exposed area and held in place by suturing the temporal muscle over it.

1-12–32. 1 cc. of horse serum was injected intravenously. In a few minutes symptoms of general anaphylaxis appeared (defecation and urination).

2-26–32. 2 cc. of horse serum were injected intravenously. In 2 minutes defecation and urin∗∗∗tion occurred. In 12 minutes slight hut definite dragging of the right forepaw was observed.

3- 9–32. Into a pocket formed by a small rubber ring placed over the right cerebrum 0.1 cc. of fresh egg albumen was injected between the dura and pia mater.