[Anti-retinoblastoma reaction developed in vivo through immunization of retinal ganglion neuronotrophic factor].

Isolated retinal ganglion neuronotrophic factor (RGNTF) was used as an antigen to immunize Group A Balb/c mice intraperitoneally prior to the inoculation into the anterior chamber of eye with human retinoblastomal cell line Y-79 (Rb). In Group B mice, Rb cells were inoculated into the eyes before RGNTF immunization. In Group C mice, empty gel without RGNTF was used in immunization 10 days after the Rb inoculation, to serve as a control. The results revealed that the inhibitory rate of Rb tumor development in Group A was 65% (13/20); in Group B only 10% (2/20); and in Group C 0% (0/20). The T-test for difference in the inhibitory rate between Group A and B was statistically significant (T > 2.58; P < 0.01). Sera were collected from these mice and their content of the anti-RGNTF antibody was quantified by ELISA method. The results showed that the anti-RGNTF antibody titer in Group A antisera at 1:600 dilution was measured with an average optical density of 0.156 +/- 0.015; that in Group B 0.103 +/- 0.016; and that in Group C only 0.048 +/- 0.018. Those of controls for normal mouse serum and culture medium were 0.050 +/- 0.008 and 0.043 +/- 0.014, respectively. The t test for difference in the antibody titer measurements between Group A and B was statistically significant (t > t0.05; p < 0.05). Therefore, the above results indicated that active immunization of RGNTF can enhance the specific immunity against the development of retinoblastomal tumor in Balb/c mice, which may have clinical significance in treating human retinoblastoma.