On the “J” Classification of Rabbits and Production of Anti-J in “J-Negative” Rabbits

Abstract

Summary

It is shown that certain antibodies engendered in “J-negative” (or A-negative) rabbits by immunizing with human red cells of type A will selectively lyse red cells of J-positive cattle. Some of the “J” reagents so produced have proved to be either equal to or superior to the better J reagents obtained from J-negative cattle in their ability to promote lysis of the more weakly reactive intergrades of J-positive blood. The key to recognition of these specific cross reactions was substitution of guinea pig complement for rabbit complement. The method of classifying J-positive and J-negative rabbits is described and data are presented on distribution of the J types in 110 rabbits.

We are indebted to the Sacramento Medical Foundation Blood Bank for human blood used in this study.