Anaphylactoid edema induced in rats by nickel and cobalt salts.

Abstract

SummaryNickel and cobalt, especially in form of hydrosoluble compounds, injected either intraperitoneally or intravenously in doses of 5 mg caused regularly anaphylactoid edema in rats. The mast cells in the subcutaneous tissue of edematous ear lobes were often degranulated but were unreactive to selective metal stains. Unusual large granules with no demonstrable acid phosphatase activity were found. The edema reaction developed after bilateral nephrectomy indicating that it cannot be ascribed to the release of a renal erythropoietic factor after the parenteral administration of the cobalt or nickel salts. The present observations may provide an interesting model for further investigating histaminergic reactions in rats.