Mechanism of Anaphylactic Death in the Mouse

Abstract

GUINEA-PIG anaphylaxis has for many years been considered the classical example of anaphylaxis. In this animal, challenged intravenously, anaphylactic shock is believed to be due to liberation of histamine with subsequent contraction of smooth muscle. Contraction of the bronchial musculature completely shuts off the alveoli and prevents exhalation of air, and the animals die of asphyxia. If the shocking dose of antigen is given by the intraperitoneal or subcutaneous route, death in many cases is not due to asphyxia, but occurs slowly (protracted anaphylaxis), and cannot be attributed to respiratory failure^1,2. In other animals, anaphylactic death has also been associated with a ‘selectively’ shocked organ. Thus, in the rabbit, the constriction of pulmonary arterioles and extreme dilation of the right heart lead to acute fatal heart failure. In the dog, marked liver congestion seems to be responsible for death³.