Experimental smooth muscle antibodies.

Attempts were made to induce smooth muscle antibody (SMA) in rats by various procedures causing cell necrosis. Ligation of a liver lobe and cryosurgical damage to a liver lobe both resulted in subsequent appearance of SMA, provided the damage tissue was not removed. Transfer of the damaged liver tissue to the peritoneal cavity of a normal rat did not result in SMA production in the recipient. The SMA produced showed anti-actin and anti-heavy meromyosin specificity. Damage induced by hepatotoxic agents failed to give rise to SMA.