Immunologic responses of cynomolgus monkeys after repeated inhalation exposures to enzymes and enzyme--detergent mixtures

Sera from monkeys repeatedly exposed by inhalation to bacterial enzymes, to a detergent, or to various enzyme-detergent mixtures were examined for the presence of enzyme-specific IgE and precipitating antibodies. In addition, lung sections were examined by immunofluorescence for deposits of immunoglobulins, complement, and fibrinogen. No clear-cut evidence was obtained for the presence of enzyme-specific IgE. However, precipitating antibodies were found in each group of monkeys exposed to either the enzyme alone or to the various enzyme-detergent mixtures. The precipitin responses were found to be dependent upon the dose of enzyme employed for inhalation exposure and to be potentiated by the presence of detergent in the inhalation mixtures. Results of immunofluorescent studies suggested that the presence of precipitating antibodies in the sera of the monkeys was not correlated with pulmonary pathological changes.