Phylogeny of hypersensitivity. I. anaphylactic responsiveness of the frog, Rana pipiens

Abstract

Rana pipiens immunized with Salmonella typhosa vaccine developed (anaphylactic) shock reactions on challenge with corresponding soluble bacterial antigen (SBA) but not with washed organisms. Hemagglutinating serum antibody to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and anti-H agglutinins were demonstrated in responsive frogs. Shock reactions were not influenced by hibernation at 4° C. or by total aqueous immersion. Less uniform results were produced by challenging injections of bovine gamma globulin in 6 of 36 frogs that developed corresponding 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME)-sensitive hemagglutinating antibodies and 2-ME-resistant precipitins following effective immunization with bovine gamma globulin (BGG) added to typhoid vaccine. Rabbit antiserum to S. typhosa containing anti-O and anti-H agglutinins, 2-ME-sensitive hemagglutinating antibody to LPS, and 2-ME-resistant precipitins to SBA passively transferred anaphylactic responsiveness to the frog, but this could not be effected with rabbit antiserum to BGG. Identification of a shock organ or pathologic changes could not be demonstrated in affected animals. The frog, an ectothermic amphibian representing a transitional position on the phylogenetic scale in production of specific immunoglobulin classes, may develop hypersensitivity manifestations under delineated conditions of exposure and challenge to a microbial antigen .