Platelets, lysosomal enzymes and anaphylactic shock in the rat

1. Rat serum levels in beta-glucuronidase and beta-galactosidase are higher than plasma levels. Rat platelets release these lysosomial enzymes during blood coagulation in vitro. 2. After anaphylactic shock, in the sensitized rat, there is no increase in beta-galactosidase and beta-glucuronidase plasma levels. The tissues of the sensitized rat do not release these enzymes during the antigen-antibody reaction. The blood platelet level is diminished after anaphylactic shock and the serum levels of the lysosomial enzymes are decreased. 3. In thrombopenic rat, anaphylactic shock is identical as in control animals. Rat platelets do not play a significant role in the anaphylactic shock.     

The role of peritoneal mast cells in the development of anaphylactic shock

An increase in the content of mast cells and macrophages in the bronchoalveolar lavage, liberation of arachidonic acid from the alveolar surfactant, formerly blocked by the caused deficiency of peritoneal mast cells have been observed under conditions of the experiment excluding the possibility of the allergen-specific hyperplasia of mastocytes in respiratory organs--anaphylactoid response of rats to the intrauterine introduction of the egg-white. A conclusion is drawn as to the possibility of interregional migration of mast cells whose regulating function with regards to the surfactant phospholipids is likely to be accomplished in cooperation with alveolar macrophages.