Relationship between tissue sensitization and IgE antibody production in rats infected with the nematode, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis.

In Nippostrongylus brasiliensis rats, tracheal sensitivity to worm allergens developed prior to intestinal sensitivity and correlated with the early local synthesis of reaginic antibody in the mediastinal (bronchial) lymph nodes. Skin and intestinal sensitivity to worm allergens more nearly correlated with serum reaginic antibody and its synthesis by mesenteric lymph nodes and other tissues. Prostaglandins appeared to modulate intestinal responsiveness to worm allergens. Thus, local reagin synthesis and other microenvironmental factors influence local tissue sensitization and responsiveness to allergens.