An investigation concerning tumor cell antigenicity of hamster malignant melanoma utilizing heterologous antiserum.

The antigenic potential of spontaneous malignant melanoma of the Syrian hamster was investigated. Antisera to the tumor were prepared in two groups of rabbits; one group was immunized with tumor homogenate material and the other with tissue cultured tumor cells. The antiserum was absorbed with normal hamster tissue extracts and serum to remove cross-reacting antibodies. The presence of tumor specific antibodies was demonstrated using immunodiffusion and fluorescent antibody staining techniques. Tumor specific antiserum prepared in this manner gave a single precipitin line against tumor tissue in gel-diffusion tests, and showed specific staining of tumor cells in the fluorescent antibody test.