Abstract
WHEN lymphoid cells from animals producing haemolytic antibody are incubated with target erythrocytes in a semi-solid agar medium, antibody diffuses from the cells containing it and becomes attached to the red cells. If complement is added after this incubation, the presence of antibody is shown by the formation of plaques of haemolysis1,2. Killing the cells before incorporating them in agar, or adding metabolic inhibitors such as cyanide2 to the agar before incubation, prevents plaque formation. This has been taken as evidence that the antibody-forming cells in the agar are alive and actively secreting antibody. If this were so it would be possible to investigate the modes of action of some immunosuppressive agents by observing their effects when added to the agar medium.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have