Immune response to endotoxin isolated from Bacteroides fragilis in the pregnant guinea pig.

The humoral immune response to endotoxin isolated from Bacteroides fragilis was analyzed in the pregnant guinea pig by means of passive hemagglutination, passive hemolysis, a modified Coombs test, and by crossed immunoelectrophoresis. Pregnant animals were immunized with endotoxin on day 30 of gestation, and antibodies were determined on day 61 in maternal and fetal sera, and in amniotic fluid. The IgG and IgM responses in maternal sera were of the same magnitude as in sera of nonpregnant animals. Fetal sera contained IgG and sometimes IgM, and a higher percentage of incomplete antibodies against endotoxin than maternal sera. Low-titer anti-endotoxin antibodies, partially sensitive to dithiothreitol, were found in amniotic fluid. A statistically significant reduction in the growth of fetuses from endotoxin-immunized females was observed.