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Observations on the Anaphylactogenic Properties of Rye Pollen (Secale Cereale)

From the Bacteriological Department, Rudolph Virchow Krankenhaus, Berlin, Dr. Kurt Meyer, Director; and from the Pathological Department, Waterbury Hospital, Waterbury, Connecticut

Abstract

This paper is based upon observations made on 20 guinea-pigs to determine the anaphylactogenic properties of the pollen of rye (secale cereale). The pollen was obtained from a reliable source and microscopically showed the characteristic features of that pollen. It was extracted with a 2 per cent solution of sodium bicarbonate and the extract contained 2.01 mgm. N to 1 cc. Nine animals received only one sensitizing injection. Four animals received an initial injection of 2 cc. (4.02 mgm. N) and the same amount was repeated five days later. Five animals received an initial injection of 1 cc. (2.01 mgm. N) and a repetition of the same was given three weeks after the primary injection. While normal guinea-pigs were found to survive, and without symptoms, 2 cc. of the rye pollen extract, the sensitized guinea-pigs invariably succumbed to injection of 1 cc. of the extract (100 per cent). Of 4 animals injected with 0.75 cc. of the extract, 3 (75 per cent) succumbed within two minutes of injection exhibiting typical anaphylactic symptoms, while 1 gradually recovered following a severe anaphylactic reaction. Dosages of 0.5 cc., or less, invariably gave rise to marked anaphylactic symptoms, but the animals gradually recovered. These animals invariably showed a subsequent increase of tolerance as is evidenced by their surviving the injection of 1 cc. of the extract on the following day.

Passive transfer was accomplished from the sensitized guinea-pig to a normal one. The injection of 1 cc. of the rye extract intravenously on the day following an intraperitoneal injection of 5 cc. of the sensitized animal's serum, proved fatal within two minutes.