Oral challenge and monitoring of anaphylaxis.
Mice were challenged orally with 45 mg of cashew protein extract (protein equivalent). Anaphylactic reactions were characterized by a drop in body temperature and the occurrence of clinical symptoms. Body temperature was measured before challenge and every 5 minutes for 60 minutes following challenge using subcutaneous transponders (Plexx). Clinical symptoms were recorded following the same frequency.Figure 2 : diarrhea was scored as followed: 0, no diarrhea; 1, soft but well-shaped stool; 2, soft and unformed stool; 3, one episode of diarrhea; 4, at least two episodes of diarrhea. Figure 5 : general symptoms were scored as followed: 0, no symptoms; 1, repetitive nose scratching and ruffled fur; 2, mouse and eyes swelling, pilar erectus and reduced activity; 3, difficulty breathing, mouth cyanosis and diarrhea; 4, no reaction following stimulation of whiskers, tremor and/or seizure; 5, death. Mice that reached a general symptom score of 4 were sacrificed in agreement with ethical guidelines.