Arthus phenomenon

Ar·thus phe·nom·e·non

(ahr'tūs), a form of immune complex-mediated hypersensitivity resulting in erythema, edema, hemorrhage, and necrosis observed in rabbits after injection of antigen to which the animal has already been sensitized and for which it has specific IgG antibodies. The reaction is caused by the inflammation that results from the deposition of antigen-antibody complexes in tissue spaces and in blood vessel walls that activate complement most damage seems due to the polymorphonuclear leukocytes that release lysosomal enzymes. The phenomenon described by Arthus was in rabbits, but similar reactions (Arthus-type reactions) have been observed in guinea pigs, rats, and dogs, as well as in humans.
See also: Arthus reaction (2). Synonym(s): Arthus reaction (1)

Arthus,

Nicolas Maurice, French bacteriologist, 1862-1945. Arthus phenomenon - a form of immediate hypersensitivity observed in rabbits after injection of antigen to which the animal has already been sensitized and has specific IgG antibodies. Synonym(s): Arthus reactionArthus reaction - Synonym(s): Arthus phenomenon