cutaneous anaphylaxis

cutaneous anaphylaxis,

a localized hypersensitivity reaction in the form of a wheal and flare. It occurs in sensitized individuals when, as a test of sensitivity to various allergens, an antigen is injected into the skin. See also antiserum anaphylaxis.

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anaphylaxis

an unusual or exaggerated allergic reaction of an animal to foreign protein or other substances. Anaphylaxis is an immediate or antibody-mediated hypersensitivity reaction (type I) produced by the release of vasoactive agents such as histamine and serotonin. Release is a consequence of the binding of IgE antibodies to Fc receptors on the surface of particularly mast cells and basophils. Antigen binding to two adjacent IgE molecules causes perturbation of the cell membrane leading to the release of vasoactive substances. Anaphylaxis may be localized, usually cutaneous, or generalized. Called also anaphylactic shock.

Substances most likely to produce anaphylaxis include drugs, particularly antibiotics and local anesthetics; drugs prepared from animals, such as insulin, adrenocorticotropic hormone and enzymes; diagnostic agents, such as iodinated x-ray contrast media; biologicals used to provide immunity, such as vaccines, antitoxins and gamma globulin; protein foods; the venom of bees, wasps and hornets; and pollens and molds. See also hypersensitivity, anaphylactic.

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acquired anaphylaxis

that in which sensitization is known to have been produced by administration of a foreign antigen.

active anaphylaxis

see acquired anaphylaxis (above).

aggregate anaphylaxis

caused by large amounts of antibody-antigen complexes that activate complement and resulting in degranulation of mast cells.

antiserum anaphylaxis

passive anaphylaxis.

cutaneous anaphylaxis

a localized form of anaphylaxis, which follows the injection of antigen into the skin.

cytotoxic anaphylaxis

a form of anaphylaxis triggered by antibodies against self antigens. Blood transfusion reactions and Rh reactions are examples.

cytotropic anaphylaxis

refers to binding of IgE to Fc receptors.

heterologous anaphylaxis

passive anaphylaxis induced by transfer of serum from an animal of a different species.

homologous anaphylaxis

passive anaphylaxis induced by transfer of serum from an animal of the same species.

indirect anaphylaxis

that induced by an animal's own protein modified in some way.

passive anaphylaxis

that resulting in a normal animal from injection of serum of a sensitized animal.

passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA)

localized anaphylaxis passively transferred by intradermal injection of an antibody and, after a latent period (about 24 to 72 hours), intravenous injection of the homologous antigen and Evans blue dye; blueing of the skin at the site of the intradermal injection is evidence of PCA.

reverse passive cutaneous anaphylaxis

antigen is injected first, succeeded by the injection of antiserum.

systemic anaphylaxis

a generalized anaphylactic reaction most often observed when the antigen is injected intravenously but may also be produced after local administration of antigen. The main shock organs in cattle and sheep are the lungs, in the horse, cat and pig the lungs and intestines, and in dogs the liver, specifically the hepatic veins.