Association of IgE with reaginic activity in sera from grass pollen- and horse dander-sensitive individuals

Immunoglobulin E is associated with reagin-rich chromatographic fractions in sera of patients sensitive to rye grass pollen and to horse dander. Thus, in a patient (W. G.) who is sensitive to both allergens, the peak reaginic activity to both allergens was associated with IgE antibody. Absorption of reagin-rich fractions with anti-IgE serum removed reagins to several allergens upon passive transfer (P-K) testing. The inactivation of reagins and probably IgE upon treatment with thiols or heat was confirmed.