IMMUNOCHEMICAL EFFECTS OF INJECTION THERAPY WITH ALLERGENS BY CUSTOMARY AND INTENSIVE DOSAGE REGIMENS IN CHILDREN

Evaluation of dosage regimens for injection therapy with allergen extracts was undertaken by determination of immunochemical responses. Antigenic release of histamine was used as a means of measuring leukocyte sensitivity to allergens and antigen-neutralizing capacity of serum or "blocking" antibody. Customary dosage regimens providing 190,000 to 265,000 Protein Nitrogen Units of allergen in 2 years, and intensive dosage regimens providing these amounts or more in a few weeks were evaluated in 46 allergic children by frequent measurement of luekocyte sensitivity and antigen-neutralizing capacity of serum. Uninjected subjects were studied simultaneously. With 32 children receiving customary dosage regimens for injection of an allergen extract (Alternaria, ragweed, house dust), increases and decreases in leukocyte sensitivity in those children receiving injections did not differ significantly from others without injections. Modest increases in antigen-neutralizing capacity of serum occurred with injections. With 14 children receiving intensive dosage regimens for injection of the same allergens, much higher titers of antigen-neutralizing capacity in the serum could be achieved, but little net change in leukocyte sensitivity was observed, except for one case in which leukocytes became desensitized. In no case did intradermal skin tests with the allergens become negative, meaning the children were not desensitized. The dosage regimens used for injection of the allergens tested did not evoke immunochemical responses which encourage one to undertake extensive clinical trials.