230 ANAPHYLAXIS 



action. This is found in one-third of the animals. Their serum thus 

 rendered immune is capable of neutralizing all effects of the pollen toxin. 



As regards the standardization of this serum, it is effected by mixing 

 the dosis minima certe efficax of the toxin with various dilutions of the 

 serum and instilling the mixture into the conjunctival sac of individuals 

 with a tendency for hay-fever. That amount of the serum which suffices 

 to neutralize the toxic action is taken as the unit of measure. Sera of at 

 least thirty times the unit strength are selected for therapeutic application. 



The immune serum is manufactured in fluid and powder form, and is 

 placed on the market under the name of "Pollantin." Its use is mainly 

 local, by spraying a small quantity of the pollen powder upon the nasal 

 mucosa several times daily and by placing several granules into the 

 conjunctival sac with a cameFs-hair brush. The serum can also be em- 

 ployed as a prophylactic. 



If the eyes are especially reddened, it is best to deposit some fluid serum 

 into the conjunctival sac every day. Prausnitz advises the injection of i 

 to 2 c.cm. of the serum subcutaneously when asthmatic attacks occur, 

 when the above local treatment has failed. 



In America a special Pollantin is made against the frequent form of 

 hay-fever known as "autumn catarrh" by immunization with the pollen 

 of the golden rod and rag weed. 



The pollantin therapy and prophylaxis has been quite satisfactory, 

 inasmuch as two-thirds of the patients remain either entirely free from 

 attacks or are so greatly benefited that their general duties are not inter- 

 fered with. 



The specificity of anaphylaxis has been proposed for diagnostic aid. 

 As yet the methods have not been perfected sufficiently to be of clinical 

 value. 



