Removal of leucocytes from whole blood and erythrocyte suspensions by filtration through cotton wool. IV. Immunization studies in rabbits.

Hetero-immunization experiments in rabbits were performed to evaluate the quantity of leucocyte antigens present in red cell suspensions prepared by the filtration method of DIEPENHORST et al., in which no intact leucocytes could be detected. It was found that the quantity of leucocyte antigens is smallest in blood filtered immediately after taking. More leucocyte-antigenic material seems to be present in blood that is filtered after storage and in frozen-thawed red cell suspensions. Evidence was obtained that granulocyte-specific antigens are more strongly immunogenic in the rabbit than lymphocyte-specific antigens or antigens common to both cells.