STUDIES ON TRICOPHYTIN SENSITIVITY

[摘要] Guinea pigs have been sensitized to trichophytin by inoculation of Trichophyton mentagrophytes or by injections of acetone-dried powdered mycelium in Freund''s adjuvant. The reactions of these two groups of animals have been compared and found to be similar. Immediate reactions, delayed reactions and the Koch phenomenon have been demonstrated. In addition, anaphylaxis, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and passive transfer of delayed type sensitivity by peritoneal cells have been accomplished. Using sensitized guinea pigs the potency of trichophytin extracts can be assayed as the mean diameter of the delayed reaction is proportional to the logarithm of the concentration of trichophytin injected. A purified trichophytin has been prepared from ethylene glycol extracts of T. mentagrophytes. Evidence is provided showing it to consist of polysaccharide with attached peptide. Preliminary skin-tests of this preparation on human subjects have been carried out in parallel with tests using commercial extracts.