Antibody response of rabbits to nerve ending gangliosides. Analysis of antibody specificity by liposome lysis and lysis inhibition assays.

Rabbits were immunized with nerve ending fraction prepared from guinea pig brain. Serum antibodies to total gangliosides were followed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; their titers were highest at 2 to 3 weeks after immunization and some rabbits showed a response to reinjections. Specific reactivities of the antibodies against each molecular species of gangliosides were analyzed by liposome lysis assay and liposome lysis inhibition assay. Antibody responses were detected against GM1, GD1b, GM3 and GM2, but not against GD1a and GT1b. Natural and immune antibodies to the asialo glycolipids and to galactosylceramide were also observed.