Abstract
Serological studies including immune electrophoresis, agar double diffusion technic and passive hemagglutination method were performed on sera in 34 rabbits immunized with the so-called focal antigens. The antigens were prepared from the subcutaneous Arthus type lesions induced in rabbits which had been immunized with hen egg-white. The lesions were aseptically excised and separated into central necrotic (N) and peripheral wall (W) parts, which are referred to as the focal antigens (N and W) in this series of experiment. They were homogenized and repeatedly injected again either autologously or homologously to rabbits previously immunized with hen egg-white. Following results were obtained. 1) Antibodies to the focal N-substance, which were identified as antibodies against main antigenic component of the egg-white, were detectable in rabbits sensitized with N- or W-substance from the eary stage, especially to the later period (over 120 experimental days) with high titer in rabbits sensitized with N-substance. 2) Antibody to the W-substance was observed in 10 of 34 rabbits in over 80 experimental days with agar double diffusion technic and passive hemagglutination method. This antibody which was not absorbed with the egg-white or rabbit whole serum, cross-reacted with emulsion of autologous tissues such as the kidney, liver and heart. 3) In addition to the main component of egg-white, the focal antigens contained some components of rabbit whole serum. These serum components were present in much more amount in the W-substance than in the N-substance. 4) Immune electrophoretical analysis of urine disclosed appearance of IgG, native and denatured, and transferrin in increased amount in cases with amyloid nephropathy and glomerulonephritis with amyloid deposits.
