IMMUNOGLOBULIN CLASSES IN ANTIBODY RESPONSES IN MICE .I. ANALYSIS BY BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

Abstract

The formation of different immunoglobulin classes of mouse antibodies to dinitrophenol (DNP) was qualitatively determined by biological assays which discriminate between some immunoglobulin classes. Antibody responses to 2 other antigens were compared in 5 mouse strains. Mice of 5 different strains immunized with DNP-hemocyanin (DNP-Hcy) in complete Freund''s adjuvant made both [gamma]G1 and [gamma]G2a antibodies. The amounts of antibody are less in DBA and C57 mice and at 80 days after primary immunization a 2-mercaptoethanol sensitive (2MES) antibody is still present in these strains (but not in A, AKR and C3H). When DNP-Hcy is given in Al(OH)3, very little [gamma] G2a is produced in any strain, although [gamma]G1 antibodies are produced as in mice given DNP-Hcy in complete Freund''s adjuvant. Possible interpretations of these observations are discussed.