Absorption pattern of ragweed antigen and active sensitization in man following repository pollen injection

Abstract

1. 1. The reverse passive transfer technique was used to study the absorption pattern of ragweed antigen from the site of injection of the repository as well as the conventional aqueous solution. 2. 2. It was found that the immunologic reaction following repository ragweed injection remained positive in the nonatopic subjects for a period of 29 to 35 days as compared to 15 days in an atopic subject. 3. 3. It was demonstrated that the ragweed antigen persisted in the circulation following aqueous injection for a period of 8 to 15 days in nonatopic subjects and 3 days in the atopic individual. 4. 4. The production of an induced immediate type wheal reaction following a ragweed skin test was demonstrated in the nonatopic subjects. This was not transferred by the serum passive transfer technique. However, skin test to ragweed in the atopic subject was intensified and transferred. 5. 5. A delayed reaction in 1 nonatopic subject was followed by an immediate-type reaction. 6. 6. The induction of hypersensitivity is discussed as to its significance in the evaluation of this mode of therapy. 7. 7. Further investigation of the mechanism of adjuvant therapy is basic, over and above the simple clinical effectiveness of repository therapy.