Depolarizing action of allergens on passive sensitized lymphocytes.

An ability of rat thymus lymphocytes to respond to pollen allergens has been found. The lymphocytes were exposed with plasma of pollinosis patients. The subsequent addition of allergens specific for the patient caused the decrease of lymphocyte plasma membrane potential. The decrease was detected by use of potential-sensitive fluorescent probe 4-(p-dimethylaminostyryl)-1-methylpyridinium. This newly found effect can be employed for diagnostics of atopic states.