Antibodies to radiographic contrast agents. Induction and characterization of rabbit antibody.

An allergic, immunologic mechanism for certain adverse reactions to radiocontrast agents has been postulated on the basis of clinical and theoretical considerations. One obstacle to the acceptance of this allergic theory has been the inability to demonstrate significant antibodies with specificity for these agents. We attempted the induction of antibodies in the rabbit using analogues of radiocontrast media. The synthesis of four different analogues of commonly used radiocontrast agents allowed for testing the haptenic potential of various portions of the contrast medium molecule. Each analogue was conjugated to a carrier protein, emulsified in a suitable adjuvant, and repeatedly injected into several rabbits. Optimal immunization conditions were selected to increase the probability of antibody induction. Specific antibody was produced in good titer to each of the four haptens and in all injected rabbits. Antibodies were characterized by means of precipitation assays and radioimmunoassay using contrast agents labeled with 125I. Antibody concentrations ranged from 0.23 to 2.7 mg/ml and varied with interval and frequency of booster injections. In addition to antibodies specific for the contrast media analogues, antibodies to the carrier protein were also detected. Antibodies were of the IgG class and in selected sera were 83-92% precipitable. The induction of antibodies to radiocontrast agents supports the allergic theory of contrast medium toxicity.