Cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity in the guinea pig conjunctiva.

Cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity (CBH) is an immunologic reaction extensively studied in the guinea pig. We elicited this reaction in the conjunctiva by systemically sensitizing guinea pigs to ovalbumin in incomplete Freund's adjuvant. Skin tests showed basophils in the skin one week after sensitization when challenged with ovalbumin. However, the conjunctiva showed an eosinophilic reaction with few basophils. This is compatible with other extracutaneous manifestation of the CBH reaction.