The Role of Collagen in the Induction of Flea Bite Hypersensitivity

Abstract

Salt-soluble and acid-soluble collagens were isolated from guinea pig skin following bites of fleas, and were shown to possess the capacity to induce flea bite hypersensitivity upon injection into recipient guinea pigs. Less salt-soluble collagen was required for induction of sensitivity than was acid-soluble collagen. Flea hapten associated with salt-soluble collagen did not hinder the latter's in vitro reconstitution. The in vitro reconstituted product served as a better carrier for the hapten than the nonreconstituted form.