Immunoglobulin classes in antibody responses in mice. I. Analysis by biological properties.

The formation of different immunoglobulin classes of mouse antibodies to dinitrophenol (DNP) has been qualitatively determined by biological assays which discriminate between some immunoglobulin classes. Antibody responses to two other antigens were compared in five mouse strains. Mice of five different strains immunized with DNP—haemocyanin (DNP—Hcy) in complete Freund's adjuvant made both γG and γG antibodies. The amounts of antibody are less in DBA and C57 mice and at 80 days after primary immunization a 2-mercaptoethanol sensitive (2MES) antibody is still present in these strains (but not in A, AKR and C3H). When DNP—Hcy is given in Al(OH), very little γG is produced in any strain, although γG antibodies are produced as in mice given DNP—Hcy in complete Freund's adjuvant. Possible interpretations of these observations are discussed.