Studies of Anti-Horse Crystalbumin Sera

Abstract

Summary The homologous optimal ratios and flocculation times of 12 anti-horse crystalbumin sera have been determined before and after absorption with one or both of the two heterologous antigens, human serum albumin and bovine serum albumin. Such absorption did not lengthen the homologous flocculation time out of proportion to the change in optimal ratio. The optimal ratios and flocculation times with a heterologous antigen of anti-horse crystalbumin sera have been determined before and after absorption with the second heterologous antigen. That there are antibodies of different specificity in a single antiserum is suggested by the following observations: a) At a dilution of 1:2, an antiserum which had been absorbed with human albumin and thereafter gave negative ring tests with human albumin contained a higher concentration of homologous antibody than an unabsorbed sample of the same antiserum at a dilution of 1:10 which reacted rapidly with human albumin. b) Certain antisera formed a precipitate with human albumin after absorption with bovine albumin and also with bovine albumin after absorption with human albumin.