HYPERSENSITIVITY OF ANIMALS AND MAN TO ACACIA POLLEN ANTIGENS

Abstract

Hypersensitivity towards Acacia pollen antigens was evaluated in guinea pigs and man, The results showed that: (1) Acacia pollens could sensitize guinea pigs and the active-inducing substances were found to be their proteins. (2) Pollen-sensitive guinea pigs showed either or (3) both immediate and delayed type hypersensitivities. The prominent cell type infiltrated the allergic reactive site was eosinophils. Immunofluorescent study showed that pollen antigens were present in these cells. (4) Sensitization with the additional of virus and bacterial antigens increased the susceptibility of animals to allergy. (5) survey showed that 75% of the volunteers with running-nose exhibited positive skin reactivity when skin tested.