The Interaction of Antigen with Leucocytes of Allergic Individuals¹

The reaction of specific antigens with leucocytes from sensitive donors has been studied. Under appropriate conditions antigen will combine with the cells at 37°C or at 4°C and in the presence or absence of Ca⁺⁺ and Mg⁺⁺ without the release of significant quantities of intracellular histamine. Washed primed cells will release their histamine upon incubation at 37°C in buffer containing Ca⁺⁺ and Mg⁺⁺ but in the absence of added antigen.