Influence of lead on the host's defence mechanisms (I)--Influence of lead on antibody production.

To clarify the influence of lead on the host's defense mechanisms, antibody production in mice pretreated with lead was tested using the hemagglutination titer against SRBC (Sheep Red Blood Cells) and HRBC (Hamster Red Blood Cells) as indicator and the following results were obtained. 1. When mice were pretreated intraperitoneally with lead one day or six days before immunization and then immunized with SRBC, which is known as a strong antigen, antibody developed smoothly in the first immunization showing the same tendency as that of the control group. After the booster immunization, antibody production was markedly suppressed in the group of mice pretreated with lead six days before the immunization. When mice were immunized with HRBC, which is known as a weak antigen, antibody production was very poor in the first immunization, but after the booster immunization, the antibody titers rose rapidly in the group pretreated one day before the immunization. However, the titers of the group pretreated with lead 6 days before the immunization was considerably suppressed, showing the same tendency as that of mice immunized with SRBC. 2. When mice received intraperitoneally three or six doses of lead before immunization with SRBC or HRBC, antibody titer of these groups were somewhat lower than that of the control group. 3. When mice were pretreated intravenously with lead one day or six days before immunization with SRBC or HRBC, the antibody production ability was not remarkably damaged, showing almost the same titer as in the control group.