THE LACK OF DETECTABLE IMMUNE COMPLEXES IN RAT ANAPHYLAXIS

Attempts were made to detect soluble immune complexes (IC) in sera of rats submitted to anaphylactic shock 12 days following BPV plus antigen treatment, and their in vitro formation following the addition of specific antigens to sera or heparinized platelet rich plasma of sensitized rats. We failed to detect ICs or IC formation by studying Hageman factor activation and platelet aggregation or by using a very sensitive radio-assay of ICs. It is established that the anaphylactic activation of Hageman factor as well as the aggregation of platelets are not mediated by immune complexes, therefore, other explanations must be found.