EFFECT OF DECOMPLEMENTATION ON DELAYED-TYPE HYPERSENSITIVE REACTIONS TO A CONJUGATED ANTIGEN IN RATS

  • 1 January 1965
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 9  (4) , 303-+
Abstract
A method has been described for quantitative measurement of the intensity of cutaneous delayed hypersensitive reactions in rats. This method is based on the measurement of the weight of skin infiltration at the site of cutaneous reaction. In vivo decomplementation of rats with antigen-antibody complexes or aggregated -globulin is accompanied by a decrease in delayed hyper-sensitivity responsiveness. When the level of serum complement is reduced by 90 per cent delayed hypersensitive reactions are completely suppressed. The results presented, although suggestive, do not provide a definite proof of the role of complement in the development of delayed hypersensitive reactions in the skin.