Histamine-releasing properties of guinea pig cardiac mast cells

The immunization of guinea pigs with OA + Al(OH)3 induced substantial IgG1a and IgG1b antibody response and low, transient IgE response, as examined by PCA test. Cardiac mast cells obtained by enzymatic dispersion method from sensitized animals released histamine in vitro after the challenge with specific antigen (histamine release up to 21%). Cardiac mast cells obtained from nonsensitized guinea pigs were sensitive to the action of ionophore A23187 and polymyxin B only when the agents were used in high concentrations (histamine release up to 25.1% and 21. respectively) and were only slightly responsive to the challenge with Concanavalin A and compound 48/80.