Forces Involved in the Reaction Between Antigen and Antibody Molecules

Abstract

The serol. reactions occurring between a film of antigen deposited on a metal slide and a soln. of antibodies brought in contact with that slide were studied with an "ellipso-meter." 2 unfolded films 6-8 A thick were transferred to such slides by the method of Blodgett and Langmuir. A drop of antiserum, diluted 1/10 in buffered saline soln., was then added. After a few minutes, the slides were washed with saline and water and the increment of thickness detd. An increase in the adsorbed layer indicated specific fixation of antibodies. The amt. of adsorbed antibody molecules increased with the number of underlying layers of bovine albumin up to 4 double layers. With egg albumin the amt. of adsorbed homologous antibodies was independent of the number of underlying layers of antigen. Screens of stearic acid or protein layers did not prevent considerable specific adsorption of antibodies. Stearic acid films acted as a perfect screen for certain types of reaction.