Decreased Antibody Response in the Offspring of Immunized High Responder Rats

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Abstract
Summary: The antibody response to poly(Glu52Lys33Tyr15) in the rat is genetically controlled. Aggregation of this antigen with methylated bovine serum albumin decreases the amount of antibody made by high responder strains and increases that made by low responder strains. Immunization of female high responder rats with aggregated antigen before mating leads to a decrease in antibody formation in their offspring. Aggregation may protect the antigen from degradation and facilitate its transplacental passage so that it can interact with the developing lymphoid tissue of the fetus and alter its immune capabilities.