Nonspecific nature of antigen trapping in lymphoid follicles.

The localization of two labelled antigens in the rabbit spleen was compared at different time intervals after their intravenous injection. By using a special autoradiographic technique I-HGG and H-DNP-BGG could be distinguished in the same tissue section. In a normal rabbit as well as in a rabbit preimmunized against the antigens, both antigens were found in the same sites of the follicles 2.5 hours, 1 day and 8 days after their injection. The results confirm that as far as cells are involved in the process of antigen trapping in lymphoid follicles of the spleen, they are not monospecific for a particular antigen. Results are discussed in relation to the mechanism of antigen trapping and the transport of antigens towards the follicle centres.