Glomerular Localization of Antigen and Antibody in Rabbits Following Intravenous Administration of Serum Cryoproteins from Homologous Animals with Acute Serum Sickness

Summary

To study the kidney fixing properties of serum cryoproteins on the renal glomerulus, cryoproteins were isolated from serum of rabbits with acute experimental serum sickness. Redissolved cryoproteins were administered intravenously to untreated rabbits in doses of 8-20 mg total protein. Animals were sacrificed 2-4 days following administration and morphological and immunohistological studies were performed on the kidneys. Localization of antibody, antigen and to a lesser extent B₁C was observed. No alterations were noted in control animals. These studies support our hypothesis that cryoproteins in serum sickness contain antigen–antibody complexes which are of immunopathologic significance.

Supported by USPHS Grant HD 0933, Grant in Aid from the New York Heart Association, USPHS Training Grant HD 00051 (W. R. G. and W. J. C.) and New York Heart Association Training Grant (M. K.). Work was performed during the tenure of an Established Investigatorship from the American Heart Association (Dr. McIntosh).