In this article, we intend to review some of the studies carried out a
t the department directed by Prof. A. Oehling, dealing with the immuno
logical mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of hypersensitivity re
actions, especially bronchial asthma, such as the immunological modifi
cations that take place in the course of immunotherapy. The following
topics are dealt with: 1. The study of beta-adrenergic receptors in al
lergic diseases. 2. Factors modulating IgE synthesis. 3. The role of I
gG4 antibodies in immunotherapy. 4. Histamine release in immediate hyp
erreactivity.