Experimental Hypersensitivity

Summary and Conclusions The effect of adrenal activity upon the serological and histological changes of hypersensitivity has been studied. Observations of the effect of ACTH on the histological and serological response following the injection of heterologous serum protein indicated that although there was no alteration in serological pattern there was an inhibition of the histological changes in the glomeruli. Cortisone inhibited antibody synthesis and the fall of the serum complement levels, and prevented the glomerulitis. Attempts to quantitate this effect by decreasing the amount of cortisone were unsuccessful. Adrenalectomized animals differed from operated controls by a regular complement drop, antibody formation and histological changes. Operative controls responded less regularly. It was speculated that in rabbits ACTH interferes with the production of lesions by alteration of tissue reactivity and cortisone by the inhibition of antibody formation. Adrenalectomy produced a more marked response as measured by complement alteration, histological changes and antibody formation. These results are summarized in Figure 5. A statistical analysis of the complement studies is presented.