Studies on Penicillin Hypersensitivity

Abstract

The sera of rabbits immunized with benzylpenicillin or 6-aminopenicillanic acid were studied by hemagglutination and inhibition tests with the immunizing agents as well as a number of degradation products of penicillin. Reactivity is related to [alpha]-penicilloyl-amide residues and to a lesser extent to penicillinate groups. Specific combining power is correlated to the chemical hemolytic activity, ability to combine with the surface structures of erythrocytes and with ability to combine with proteins. Treatment of erythrocytes with formaldehyde (which blocks the reactive amino groups) prevents the coating of the cells.