Observations on the Antibody Response of Rabbits to Mycobacterial Antigens

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Abstract
Summary: The antibody response to soluble old tuberculin (OT), alum-precipitated purified protein derivative (PPD), OT incorporated in incomplete Freund's and whole killed mycobacteria in incomplete Freund's adjuvant has been studied in rabbits. Six of 12 animals injected with soluble OT and 3 of 8 given alum-precipitated PPD produced antibody measurable by hemagglutination techniques. This antibody was of short duration and was of the γ1M type exclusively. Five of 8 animals responded to OT in adjuvant and produced antibodies of both γ1M and 7 S-γ2 types. All animals responded to immunization with whole organisms in adjuvant. In these latter animals a transition from an early production of both classes of antibody, with γ1M antibody predominating in the earliest positive sera, to persistent exclusive synthesis of 7 S-γ2-immunoglobulin was observed. Following a second challenge an anamnestic response was not observed in any of the animals. That antibody which was synthesized following reinjection without adjuvant was of the γ1M type and was not accelerated in its appearance, suggesting a second primary rather than a secondary event. The data are in accord with the concept that the evocation of the 7 S-γ2 response requires a more intense stimulus than does the γ1M response. The production of 7 S-γ2 antibody, however, does not necessarily indicate preparation of the animal for a subsequent anamnestic response.

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