On the Absorption of Antibodies from the Subcutaneous Tissues and Peritoneal Cavity

Abstract

1. Antibodies in general are absorbed very slowly from the peritoneal cavity in lower animals, and from the subcutaneous tissues in man and animals. Absorption from the latter is not complete until at least 2—3 days have elapsed. 2. The amount of antibody present at any one time in the general circulation after intraperitoneal or subcutaneous injection is very much less than the amount injected. 3. Clinically, in urgent cases of disease, to inject antibodies subcutaneously is not only to lose 2—3 days' time before the full action can be obtained but to reduce the amount of action that the dose injected can have. 4. By intravenous injection the maximum amount of action is obtained at once. The whole of the experiments recorded in this paper were made in the Statens Serum-Institut at Copenhagen, where every possible facility was given me for the carrying out of this research. To Dr Thorvald Madsen I desire to express my thanks not only for his unvarying kindliness and courtesy, but also for suggestions and assistance constantly given. I am pleased to have this opportunity of expressing my indebtedness to him.