Active Hypersensitivity from Inhalation of Finely Atomized Fluid Antigens. ∗

Abstract

Recent reports indicate that influenza may be successfully treated by inhalation of finely atomized particles (aerosol) of specific antiserum. 1-3 If further investigation confirms these reports, it is likely that this form of treatment will be attempted on a large scale. Because the supply of human convalescent serum is limited, antiserums of other than human origin will in all probabiity be used. The possibility must be considered that a foreign serum used in this manner may produce active as well as passive sensitization and thus bring about a dangerous state of hyper-sensitivity. It is also of great importance to know whether or not this method of treatment will produce serious allergic reactions such as anaphylactic shock, asthma, or pneumonitis in patients who are already hypersensitive to the particular antiserum used.† in order to answer these questions as well as to explore further some of the basic mechanisms which concern “natural” acquired sensitivity, blood serum from animals commonly used for the production of therapeutic antiserums (rabbits, goats, swine, and horses) and egg albumin were tested in a manner which would simulate their used under the conditions mentioned above.

The procedures employed in this study were essentially the same for each of the 5 antigens tested as illustrated by the following example: A group of 24 guinea pigs weighing 300-350 g each was subdivided into 3 groups of 8 each. Group 1 was placed in a closed chamber and exposed for 20 minutes to an atmosphere into which undiluted sterile swine serum was continuously atomized. This administration of serum by inhalation was repeated daily for 5 successive days. The finely atomized particles of serum were diffusely and densely distributed throughout the 27xl4xl4-inch exposure chamber.