The development of specific antibody‐containing cells in the spleen of rabbits during the secondary immune response against free or liposome‐associated albumin antigen

Abstract

In order to study the distribution pattern of specific antibody containing cells in the spleen of rabbits during the secondary immune response, rabbits were given two intravenous injections of either free or liposome associated human serum albumin (HSA) within an interval of 2 months. Demonstration of specific antibody‐containing cells was performed by incubation of sections of spleen with HSA‐horseradish peroxidase (HRP) conjugates, followed by peroxidase cytochemistry. Specific anti‐HSA antibody‐containing cells were detected already within 2 days after booster and peak numbers were found 4 days after booster. The bulk of these cells localized in the coaxial lymphocyte sheaths surrounding the terminal arterioles in the spleen. Specific antibody‐containing cells produced immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. From the results, it is also concluded that, after a priming injection with liposome‐associated HSA, liposomes do not further enhance the secondary immune response, when they are also used for the booster injection.