Light and immunofluorescent study of the Arthus reaction in the rabbit lung

A localized Arthus reaction was produced in the lung of sensitized rabbits by delivery of antigen into a lower lobe bronchus using a method of selective bronchial catheterization under fluoroscopy. The rabbits were sensitized with bovine immunoglobulin G (B-IgG) in incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA) to produce precipitating antibody without classic delayed hypersensitivity. Pulmonary histopathology was studied at intervals following antigen challenge, using light and immunofluorescent microscopy. Gross lesions peripheral to the lower lobe bronchus receiving antigen were found within 12 hr. Subsequent necrosis resulted in a dense scar by 6 wk. Microscopically, early lesions were typified by localized bronchitis, bronchiolitis, alveolitis, and vasculitis with exuberant exudates containing predominantly polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Extensive focal necrosis was present by 72 hr. Immunofluorescent studies revealed the presence of B-IgG, rabbit IgG, and complement (C3) in and around bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, and vessels. No granulomatous lesions were found, and proliferation of alveolar lining cells was not detected in these studies. Thus, the lung can participate in an acute Arthus reaction following local antigen challenge in systemically sensitized animals. The pathology more closely resembles a necrotizing bacterial pneumonia than an interstitial or hypersensitivity pneumonitis under the conditions of this experimental system. Implications for human disease are speculative.