The histaminase activity of guinea-pig's plasma during experimental inflammation I. The enzyme activity

The plasma histaminase activity in guinea-pigs was found to increase by experimental inflammation induced by a subcutaneous turpentine injection and carrageenan peritonitis. The histaminase activity was raised 24 hours after the injection and did not return to normal values before 2 weeks. It was also observed that the alteration in the erythrocytes sedimentation rate followed a similar time course as that of the plasma level of histaminase. No relationship existed between the increased histaminase activity and skin oedema or changes in body temperature. The kinetics of the increase of plasma histaminase activity during inflammation are discussed.