IgE-mediated anaphylactic bronchoconstriction in the guinea pig and the effect of disodium cromoglycate

Using guinea pigs, the development of anaphylactic hypersensitivity with time after Trichinella spiralis infection has been studied, the response being assessed in terms of bronchoconstriction at 5, 12, 19 and 26 days after infection. In addition, the susceptibility of these reactions to treatment with disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) has been determined. At 12 days after infection, DSCG significantly reduced the severity of anaphylactic bronchoconstriction, suggesting that IgE competes with IgG1 antibody for sensitisation sites in the lung.