passive sensitization

passive sensitization

Etymology: L, passivus + sentire, to feel

a temporary form of sensitization induced by injecting serum from a sensitized individual. See also passive immunity.

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sensitization

a state in which the body is sensitized to particular stimuli, e.g. (1) certain individuals exposed to some antigens by a particular route elicit an immune response which may be antibody-mediated, particularly IgE, or cell-mediated which sensitizes them such that subsequent exposure to the same antigen elicits an allergic response; said especially of such exposure resulting in a hypersensitivity reaction. (2) The coating of cells with antibody as a preparatory step to some detectable reaction such as their lysis if complement is added. (3) The preparation of a tissue or organ by one hormone so that it will respond functionally to the action of another.

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active sensitization

the sensitization that results from the injection, ingestion or inhalation, of antigen into the animal. See also active immunity, active immunization.

passive sensitization

that which results when blood serum from a sensitized animal is injected into a normal animal. See also passive immunity, passive immunization.

protein sensitization

that bodily state in which the individual is sensitive or hypersusceptible to some foreign protein, so that when there is absorption of that protein a typical reaction is set up.