Studies on antibody formation. Effects of x-irradiation on adaptation for the secondary response of rabbits to bovine gamma-globulin.

Summary and Conclusions The effects of whole-body x-radiation of rabbits on the adaptation for a secondary antibody response have been studied under various conditions. X-ray in a dose of 550 r 24 hr before a first injection of bovine γ-globulin prevented both adaptation and antibody formation, as measured by hemagglutination of coated tanned erythrocytes. X-ray during the latent period between the first and second injections destroyed or markedly depressed adaptation. However, when x-radiation in this period was followed 24 hr later by an injection of antigen, adaptation for a later “secondary” response was either preserved or re-established. These results are interpreted to mean that during a secondary response at least part of the adaptation for subsequent “secondary” responses arises from the interaction of antigen with an adapted system. This suggests that the individual cells which produce antibody may later become adapted for a secondary response.