HISTAMINE RELEASE AND ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK IN ISOLATED LUNGS OF GUINEA-PIGS

¹ The Department of Physiology, University of Edinburgh

1. The release of histamine from the isolated Ringer perfused lungs of guinea-pigs has been studied.

2. Histamine was recovered in the perfusate: (a) during anaphylactic shock in the actively and the passively sensitised guinea-pig; (b) on perfusing distilled water through the lungs of normal guinea-pigs.

3. No histamine was recovered in the perfusate: (a) during an intensive smooth muscle contraction (BaCl₂); (b) after the injection of substances causing anaphylactoid phenomena (Agar, Kaolin, H, OH, K, Ca ions).

4. The quantity of histamine released during anaphylactic shock in the passively sensitised animal depends on the time after sensitisation, and it is proportional to the bronchoconstriction.

5. A quantity of histamine 100 times greater than that released during anaphylactic shock must be injected in the atropinised lungs, in order to produce an effect equal to anaphylactic shock.

6. Adrenaline injected simultaneously with the antigen in doses which inhibit bronchoconstriction, diminishes the release of histamine in anaphylactic shock. It does not prevent desensitisation of the tissue.

I wish to thank Professor I. de Burgh Daly for the hospitality of his laboratory and for help and advice freely given. I am indebted to the Moray Research Fund for defraying the expenses of this investigation.