The Production of Antibodies in Protein Depleted and Repleted Rabbits

Abstract

Antibody response in protein depleted and repleted rabbits to beef serum as antigen was quantitatively studied by means of the precipitin reaction. Turbidity measurements of the precipitins formed over the whole reaction ranged were carried out on the Libby photronreflectometer. The injection technique used for antibody production consisted of a presensitizing dosage of 1 ml of antigen given intravenously and followed by a regular series of 4 subcutaneous injections of the same amount of antigen on alternate days, three to 4 weeks later. A new type of semi-purified diet in an agar base was developed that would carry rabbits through the depletion and repletion periods. This diet was supplemented by carrots throughout the experiments. The average caloric intake of the rabbit was determined during the course of the experiments. Antibody response is higher in repleted than in depleted animals. It is only slightly higher in rabbits fed a commercial diet than in the protein depleted animals. A high protein diet supplemented by other essential dietary factors is valuable for the production of hyperimmune sera in rabbits.