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.