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Journal of Experimental Medicine, Vol 150, 1265-1270, Copyright © 1979 by Rockefeller University Press
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S Jackson and J Mestecky
Spleen and other lymphoid tissues of rabbits immunized with human serum albumin (HSA) and human lactoferrin (LF) were examined for the presence of cells forming anti-idiotype antibodies. To detect these cells, IgG, F(ab')2, or Fab' of specific antibodies were isolated, fluorochrome- tagged with tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate, and used as an idiotypic marker to detect splenic plasma cells that are producing anti- idiotypic antibody. By this procedure, we were able to demonstrate anti- idiotypic cells in surprisingly high numbers. For example, in six rabbits immunized with HSA for periods ranging from 36 to 542 d, the percentage of Ig-positive cells that stained with autologous idiotype ranged from 0.7 to 44; furthermore, cross-reactivity was observed among seven different anti-HSA preparations and two anti-LF antisera. The isotype of anti-idiotypic cells, determined by costaining with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled goat Fc-specific anti-rabbit Ig, was shown to be predominantly IgG. These findings provide evidence of the presence of plasma cells producing antibody to autologous idiotype during a vigorous immune response.
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