A NEW DIAGNOSTIC METHOD IN ALLERGIC DISEASE

Abstract

A test has been described in which dried protein allergen and plasma from a sensitized or allergic patient are mixed with living leukocytes and platelets either from the patient or a nonallergic donor, kept at 37°C. and observed under the microscope. If specific antibodies to the allergen are present in the plasma the polymorphonuclear leukocytes and platelets show toxic effects and the cells die within 15 minutes to several hours, whereas controls remain viable and actively motile. This cytotoxic reaction has been observed with food, pollen, epidermal, and inhalant allergens, and shows such correlation with clinical sensitivity as to be a helpful guide in determining which allergens are likely offenders and which are innocuous in a particular case. A positive reaction does not necessarily mean clinical sensitivity, but if the reaction is prompt and strong such sensitivity is likely. If the reaction is negative clinical sensitivity has not been found except following anaphylaxis. It is believed that the technique described and the observations reported constitute a new and useful diagnostic method in allergic disease.