Induction of IgE-secreting cells in the lymphatic drainage of the lungs of rats following passive antigen inhalation.

Repeated challenge of high-IgE-responder BN rats with an antigen aerosol in the absence of adjuvant, elicited both specific IgE and IgG responses in serum. Employing the recently developed ELISA plaque assay to detect individual IgE and IgG secreting cells, the lymph nodes draining the lower respiratory tract were pinpointed as the site for initiation of this response, and the sole location of specific IgE-secreting cells. Subsequent analysis of the tissue distribution of total IgE-secreting cells revealed that greater than or equal to 50% were located in the lymph nodes draining the upper and lower respiratory tracts.