Cross‐reactivity patterns of IgM and IgG anti‐lipopolysaccharide antibodies in individual mice

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Abstract
A sensitive method has been developed which permits comparative analysis of IgM and IgG antibody specificity against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antigen. It is based on hemolysis of LPS‐coated red blood cells and on its inhibition by homologous and heterologous LPS. By appropriate use of anti‐immunoglobulin sera, indirect (facilitated) lysis due to IgG antibodies is obtained, whereas IgM gives direct lysis and is 2‐mercaptoethanol‐sensitive. IgG can be analyzed either by facilitation with a rabbit anti‐mouse Ig or with anti‐allotype sera. By use of anti‐allotype sera in F1 hybrids, both parental antibody types can be studied separately. Antibodies of either class from individual mice may display different cross‐reactivity patterns. Furthermore, for IgM and IgG within a given serum, both similarities and differences have been found. Some of the cross‐reactivity patterns have been followed over one year. With few exceptions, individual patterns remained constant throughout this period.