ITS DEPENDENCE UPON IgE ANTIBODIES

Abstract

A B S T R A C T IgE antibodies are usually thought to induce only immediate skin reactions. We have shown that the intradermal injection of a number of different allergens can produce a prolonged inflammatory reaction after the immediate wheal and flare in most sensitive subjects. This late inflammatory response occurs 6-12 h after challenge and is characterized by diffuse edema, erythema, pruritus, tenderness, and heat. Both immediate and late responses can also be seen after passive sensitization of skin sites in nonatopic subjects.