Mouse IgE-mediated paw anaphylaxis in mice and rats.

Anaphylactic swelling is induced in the hind paws of mice and rats by intravenous challenge of antigen 72 h after subplantar injection of mouse IgE-rich antiserum into the paws, and can be quantified rapidly and accurately by measuring paw thickness. The edema model described may serve as an alternative to passive cutaneous anaphylaxis for studying immediate allergic reactions with mouse homocytotropic antibodies and screening potential antiallergic drugs.