Skin tests in a primate model of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

We have previously reported producing a primate model of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in which monkey precipitating IgG and transfused human IgE antibodies against Aspergillus fumigatus (AF) combined with aerosolized AF to produce an inflammatory response in the lung. In this study we attempt to demonstrate similar changes in the skin. Immunized and unimmunized monkeys with and without IgG precipitating antibody to AF were injected at multiple sites intradermally with normal human serum or human serum rich in IgE against AF. 1 day later each site was injected with AF. Serial skin biopsies were taken at intervals of 15 min, 1, 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h and light microscopic, immunofluorescent, and electron microscopic studies were performed. The most profound changes were associated with simian antibody (IgG) and human antibody (IgE) directed against AF and consisted or perivascular and interstitial neutrophilic infiltration at 2 h, eosinophils at 6 h, and mononuclear cells at 24 h. Immunofluorescent staining for fibrin-fibrinogen, IgM, and C3 was present and diapedesis of cells to extra-vascular dermal areas was evident. The skin appear to mirror the inflammatory changes seen in the lung in this primate model of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and should afford a useful model for further studies.