RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RHEUMATOID FACTORS AND SERUM AGGLUTINATORS

  • 1 January 1967
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 13  (6) , 623-+
Abstract
A detailed study" of the DEAE fractionated serum R.W. [anti-Gm(x)] revealed differences in specificity between the 7S serum agglutinators of erythro-cytes sensitized with anti-Rh antibodies digested with proteolytic enzymes and 19S rheumatoid factor monospecific for Gm(x). The serological reactivity and specificity of the serum agglutinators is determined by the enzymatic modification of the globulin molecules and is unrelated to the Gm type. On the other hand, the 19S rheumatoid factor (anti-Gm(x)] is reactive with undigested molecules or with those antibody molecules digested with proteolytic enzymes which leave the Fc piece intact. The 19S factor specificity otherwise unrelated to digestion of the globulin molecule depends on the intactness of the Gm site for which it is specific.