Open AccessGamma globulin metabolism in rabbits immunized with autologous denatured gamma globulin
Author(s) -
Catsoulis Evangelos A.,
Rothschild Marcus A.,
Oratz Murray,
Franklin Edward C.
Publication year - 1965
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.1780080105
Subject(s) - gamma globulin , globulin , antibody , rheumatoid factor , albumin , adjuvant , medicine , serum albumin , endocrinology , immunology , chemistry
Antibodies resembling rheumatoid factor (RF) were produced in rabbits by immunization with alkali denatured autologous gamma globulin (RGG) in Freund's adjuvant. Gamma globulin metabolism was studied with I 131 labeled gamma globulin in 5 such rabbits and in 4 control rabbits treated with Freund's adjuvant alone. Albumin metabolism was studied in 4 immunized rabbits and in 4 rabbits treated with adjuvant alone employing rabbit albumin I 131 (RSA‐I 131 ). The two groups differed in that only the immunized group of rabbits demonstrated rheumatoid factor like antibodies while the adjuvant treated animals lacked these antibodies. Gamma globulin levels, pool size and degradation increased in equivalent degree in both groups. Consequently the increase in gamma globulin degradation appears to be unrelated to the presence of this antibody and probably reflects the increase in gamma globulin pool size. Albumin degradation was not significantly affected.