Elimination of circulating antibodies. Attempts to eliminate antibodies circulating in rabbits using a fraction of normal human epidermis.

Rabbits were immunised with a fraction of normal human epidermis to produce circulating antibodies. In each experiment, half of the immunised rabbits were given a dose of the same antigen intravenously and the changes in the titres of antibodies were recorded. Doses of the antigen used in different experiments varied from 0.09 to 3.5 mg protein per rabor the first 24 h, followed by a secondary rise. Administration of corticosteroids together with the antigen intravenously could check this secondary rise in antibody titre. Repeated intravenous injections of the antigen led to severe anaphylactic reactions, while subcutaneously administered antigen produced no significant effects.