A quantitative study of the clonality in the antibody response of rabbits to the p-azobenzoate group.

Abstract The anti- p -azobenzoate antibody response was investigated in rabbits immunized according to different methods. The antibody was purified from serum samples obtained at different intervals from the beginning of immunization, and was analyzed by isoelectric focusing assay in polyacrylamide gel. Quantitation of single isoelectric components was permitted by the use of 125 I-trace labeled samples. A number of isoelectric bands were identified as main components in all rabbits, and their quantitative expression was followed with time. Detection of such components was easier in animals primed subcutaneously. Main components, which are also persistent for long periods of time, could be likely referred to ‘dominant’ cell clones. They show a restricted pI range, as compared to the whole antibody population. Results are discussed in relation to the immunization method and route.