The Feed-Back Mechanism in Immunoglobulin Synthesis.

Abstract

Summary Regulation of immunoglobulin synthesis by feed-back inhibition was investigated so as to test whether the specificity of feed-back inhibition depends on recognition of allotypic specificities. This inhibition was observed in rabbits which were pretreated by neonatal injections with antiserum directed against their paternal allotypic specificity. As a result of this pretreatment, synthesis of immunoglobulin of paternal type was reduced (suppressed) for 3-4 months. After this time, some of the pretreated rabbits were injected with normal rabbit serum, containing immunoglobulin of the suppressed type. This resulted in an inhibition of the synthesis of this allotypic immunoglobulin lasting from 50 to 150 days. It was concluded that feed-back inhibition of immunoglobulin synthesis may operate through recognition of allotypic specificities and possibly through recognition of other structural features of immunoglobulins as well.