A SURVEY OF EFFECT OF METABOLIC ANTAGONISTS ON SYNTHESIS OF ANTIBODY IN AN IN VITRO SYSTEM

  • 1 January 1962
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 5  (3) , 414-+
Abstract
Rabbits previously immunized, to two antigens were restimulated by the injection of one antigen followed, 1 day later, by the second. Spleens were removed 2 days after the injection of the second antigen and a cell suspension prepared. Such preparations synthesized antibody to both antigens simultaneously when incubated in vitro. The system-synthesizing antibody to the first antigen, however, was 1 day in advance of the other, developmentally. The effect of various metabolic inhibitors on cell survival and the incorporation of radioactive amino acid into each antibody and into cell protein was measured. By comparing the effect of each inhibitor on these four parameters it was found that the inhibition of antibody synthesis by ethidium bromide, mitomycin C, 6-mercaptopurine, 5,6-dichlorobenzimidazole riboside, 6-thioguanosine and X-irradiation was secondary to a general derangement of cell metabolism. In contrast, the thymidine analogues, 6-azauridine and possibly colchicine exerted a more selective effect on the antibody formation mechanism. The thymidine analogues and 6-azauridine did not appear to inhibit antibody synthesis per se, but to prevent the development of antibody-forming capacity. The significance of these results is discussed.