Simplified method for the production of carbohydrate antigen from Neisseria meningitidis.
The Gotschlich procedure for the production of carbohydrate antigens from the supernatant fluids of cultures of Neisseria meningitidis groups A and C was modified. Steps involving digestion with nucleases and gel filtration through Sephadex G-50 were added, the number of extractions was greatly reduced, and high-speed centrifugations were eliminated. The antigens thus obtained appeared to be entirely comparable to those described by Gotschlich et al. in physical, chemical, and antigenic properties. A slight degree of protection of mice was repeatedly demonstrated with extraordinarily large doses of antigen (50 mug/mouse), but not with smaller doses. Toxicity of the antigens for laboratory animals was very slight.
D000042:Absorption; D000818:Animals; D000937:Antigen-Antibody Reactions; D002850:Chromatography, Gel; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D051379:Mice; D009345:Neisseria meningitidis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D011817:Rabbits; D012756:Sheep
D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial