[Cytotoxic properties of anti-kidney antibodies in the chick embryo. I--Antibodies reacting with an antigen specific for the proximal segment of the secretory tubules].

The cytotoxic properties of purified antibodies reacting specifically with an antigen of the proximal secretory tubule cells have been studied. Intravenous injections of these antibody preparations together with complement (Guinea pig serum) into 2-3,5 day old or 12-13 day old chick embryos do not interfere with the development of either the meso-or metanephros. Furthermore, when suspensions of live metanephric cells treated first with anti-proximal segment antibodies and second with complement are cultured under organotypic conditions, one observes the reconstitution of all the characteristic segments (proximal, intermediate, distal and collecting) of the urinary tubule. It appears therefore that, in vivo as well as in vitro, these antibody preparations do not exert any cytolytic activity although it can be demonstrated that, at least under in vitro conditions, they bind to the surface of the proximal secretory cells and that the antibody-sensitised cells fix complement.