Action of antibodies and plasmin on Ehrlich ascites tumour cells.

THE mechanism of cell destruction in allergic inflammation is not well understood. Two explanations for production of cell damage have, however, been proposed: (a) that the antigen-antibody reaction causes, in some non-specific manner, permeability changes in cells which result in the release of active mediators of inflammation (histamine, etc.) and that the latter are directly involved in the allergic process1; (b) that the antigen-antibody reaction activates proteolytic enzymes (plasmin, proteases) that injure the cells2–4.