Abstract
Summary
1. Anti-rabbit γ-globulin antibodies were produced in the rabbit by simple immunization with horse spleen ferritin in Freund's adjuvant. Somewhat higher titers were obtained in these animals by further stimulation with autologous antibody-ferritin complexes. These antibodies were detected by the agglutination of rabbit cells sensitized with incomplete anti-G rabbit antibody and by sensitized sheep cell tests, using rabbit antibody as amboceptor. Antibodies reacting with human γ-globulin were also demonstrated by cells coated with incomplete Rh antibodies. 2. Low to moderate titers of anti-rabbit γ-globulin antibodies were also produced in rabbits immunized with autologous γ-globulin; considerably higher titers were noted when animals were immunized with autologous papain-split γ-globulin. Marked reactivity with human γ-globulin was also noted in these 2 groups of animals. 3. The anti-rabbit γ-globulin antibodies showed marked specificity for individual rabbit γ-globulins. This was demonstrated through reactivity with different red cell coats and in inhibition by some individual rabbit γ-globulins but not by others. Faint precipitins in agar gel also were observed between such antisera and some individual γ-globulins, as well as split products of rabbit γ-globulin. 4. These antibodies were both 7S and 19S in type and showed many similarities to human rheumatoid factors. Positive direct and indirect Coombs'reactions were also encountered.
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