Inhibition of autoreactive antibody effects with antibody feedings: a pilot study.
This study seeks to determine if tolerance to autoreactive antibody can be achieved by exposing gut-associated lymphocytic tissue (GALT) to the protein. The method involved immunizing rats with AchR after feeding anti-AchR purified from myasthenic plasma or non-specific, pooled human immunoglobulins. Both feedings improved the neuromuscular block of EAMG, the commercial preparation requiring a tenfold increase in protein concentration. Despite its protective effect, antibody feeding was associated with late levels of serum anti-AchR considerably above those in immunized controls. The hypothesis presented is that the tolerance results from enhanced anti-idiotype production.
Hofmann
W W
WW
Department of Neurology and Neurosciences, VA Medical Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA.
Smith
M E
ME
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003429:Cross Reactions; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007114:Immunization; D007408:Intestinal Absorption / Q000276:immunology*; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000276:immunology; D009197:Myenteric Plexus / Q000276:immunology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010956:Plasmapheresis; D051381:Rats; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic / Q000276:immunology; D014101:Torpedo; D005719:gamma-Globulins / Q000032:analysis
D001323:Autoantibodies; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic; D005719:gamma-Globulins