Tear volume in early and late phases of ocular anaphylaxis in guinea pigs.

Three models of ocular anaphylaxis containing 6 guinea pigs each were used to examine their effect on tear volume. In the first model, IgG1-rich anti-dinitrophenol (DNP) bovine gamma-globulin serum was injected subconjunctivally, and the animals were challenged 4 h later with topically applied di-DNP-lysine. In the second model, IgE-rich anti-egg albumin serum was injected subconjunctivally, and the animals were challenged 8 days later with topical instillation of egg albumin. In the third model, IgE-rich anti-egg albumin serum was injected intravenously, and animals were challenged 8 days later with topically applied egg albumin. Tears were collected before the procedure, 0.5 h after anaphylaxis was initiated, and then hourly for 8, 10, 12, 24, and 48 h after challenge. All animal eyes undergoing ocular anaphylaxis had significantly increased tearing. Tear volumes remained elevated in the first model beyond the observation period of 48 h.