Pharmacological basis of immediate hypersensitivity in the domestic fowl: a review

This review discusses the mechanisms of immediate hypersensitivity and their putative relationship to clinical syndromes in the fowl. The general features of these mechanisms are outlined, in terms of the pharmacological mediators involved, the anaphylactic antibodies, and the distribution and relative significance of the immune target cells — the mast cells and basophils. Emphasis is given to the ways in which these features are similar to or differ from those occurring in mammals. Consideration is given to the immunological release of histamine and of SRS-A in the fowl. The results of work on the mechanisms of in vitro anaphylaxis (Schultz-Dale phenomenon) in the chicken are discussed. The roles of several potential mediators of acute systemic anaphylaxis are discussed in some detail, with reference to the activities of antagonists to each of these potential mediators. A major role for the vasoactive lipids and peptides is suggested.