Abstract
Summary
(1) Sections of normal spinal cords of rabbits were treated with rabbit antisera produced by immunization of rabbits with rabbit spinal cord suspensions; the treated sections were stained with fluorescein conjugated goat antiserum to rabbit immune globulin. Selected areas stained suggest the myelin sheath as at least one of the antibody combining sites, though further histological studies are needed. No staining was obtained with normal sera or with rabbit sera containing thyroid autoantibodies. (2) In the same manner sections of thyroid glands of normal rabbits were exposed to the action of rabbit sera containing rabbit thyroid autoantibodies and stained with fluorescein conjugated goat antiserum to rabbit immune globulin. Positive staining reactions were obtained in the colloid extending into adjoining epithelial layer. Interstitial tissue remained basically unstained. No positive staining reactions were obtained using normal rabbit serum or rabbit serum containing brain autoantibodies. (3) With thyroid autoantibodies, the positive staining reactions and antibody titers seemed to run roughly parallel. However, rabbit autoantisera failed to give staining reactions when diluted above ninefold. On the basis of limited experience with spinal cord autoantisera, it is not possible to make a statement regarding appearance of positive staining reactions and presence of demonstrable circulating antibodies, though the data obtained are suggestive of a correlation.
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