Mast cell sensitizing antibodies in experimental myositis.

Mast cell sensitizing antibodies, direct mast cell degranulation and positive delayed skin tests were detected in guinea pigs and rats during experimental paralysis provoked by inoculation with acetylcholine receptors from the Electrophorus electricus. The animals also developed fluorescent antibodies to the sarcolemma, and massive myositis with histological changes in muscles similar to those characterizing clinical polymyositis.