Mechanisms in adverse reactions to food. The eye.

Direct action of triggers on the target organ may cause vasodilation, exudation, hypersecretion and nerve endings stimulation without participation of mast cells and basophils. Non IgE-mediated release of mediators from mast cells and basophils may explain how triggers other than allergens can induce pseudo-allergic reactions. IgE-mediated triggering of mast cells and basophils is not confined - in the eye too - to an immediate reaction, but represents the starting point for a progression to a late-phase reaction with the participation of a network of several cells and mediators. Inflammatory changes associated with late-phase reaction in the eye represent the pathophysiological basis for a non-specific hyperreactivity to various triggers.