Demonstration of cell surface antigens and their antibodies by the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method.

The unlabeled antibody enzyme method, using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunocomplex for labeling, was applied to freshly prepared viable lymphocytes to detect antibodies in individuals preimmunized by pregnancies or blood transfusions. The "sandwich" incubations and washing steps were carried out with cells attached to poly(L-lysine) glass slides, in order to facilitate the handling of the samples and to save antisera and time. In comparison to the lymphocytotoxicity test, the described method is more sensitive and able to detect additional antibodies. Our findings indicate that further investigation of the use of this test for the demonstration of cell surface antigens and their antibodies appears to be worthwhile.