Primary and Secondary Antibody Response in Rats to Bacterial and Sheep Erythrocyte Antigens

Abstract

The response of rats to primary and secondary stimulation with bacterial and sheep erythrocyte antigens has been examined. Response to RBC and Str consists of a rapid rise and fall both after primary and secondary injection. The bacterial antigens elicit a rise of titer similar to that produced by RBC and Str. This titer, however, persists for a long period of time in a steady state fashion and second injection leads to a titer rise not very much higher than the steady state level. Cellular proliferation after first and second injection of all antigens shows a similar sequence of events differing only in degree of magnitude but showing essentially the same cell types.