IgE-mediated hypersensitivity in human skin studied using a new in vitro method.

A new in vitro model for study of immediate (type I) cutaneous hypersensitivity in man is described, in which antigen-induced histamine release from thin slices of human skin which have been passively sensitized by human reaginic serum is measured. Evidence is presented confirming that the observed histamine release is due to a reaction between antigen and IgE antibody. In further experiments the effect of temperature, antiserum concentration and duration of passive sensitization on the magnitude of antigen-induced histamine release is studied. Studies of the relationship of temperature of incubation of sensitized skin with antigen raise the possibility that the mechanism of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction in skin and in other tissues may differ.