Abstract
The opsonic properties of immune gammaG-globulins isolated from patients with chronic septicemic conditions, principally subacute bacterial endocarditis were studied. Opsonic capacity as well as complement-fixing properties of gamma-globulins appeared to be closely associated with integrity of Fc structures. Progressive pepsin digestion of immune gammaG-globulins, as monitored by successive loss of Gm(a) and Gm(b) antigens, abolished opsonic activity. Colostral gammaA, containing agglutinating antibacterial antibodies but no demonstrable complement-fixing activity, was devoid of opsonic capacity. Reduction of gamma-globulin opsonins with 0.01 or 0.1 M mercaptoethanol progressively abolished opsonic activity in parallel with loss of ability of treated gamma-globulins to fix complement with bacteria. Treatment of gamma-globulin opsonins with 0.01 M sodium metaperiodate also produced complete loss of opsonic capacity in parallel with loss of Gm(b) Fc antigens. These findings, together with antiopsonic effects demonstrable with anti-gamma-globulin factors showing primary reactivity with Fc structures, indicate that the opsonic property of immune gamma-globulins requires the participation of structures integral to the Fc region of gamma-globulin.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
