RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish a mouse model of humoral immune response by immunization with rabbit red blood cells (RRBCs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The mice were immunized with RRBCs and the serum hemolysin level was measured by micro-hemolysis spectrophotometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The peak time needed for hemolysin production against RRBCs was 6 days after the immunization, and 20% RRBCs in a total volume of 0.2 ml was optimal for intraperitoneal injection. Hydrocortisone (25 mg/kg) and cyclophosphamide (20 mg/kg) inhibited hemolysin production. Mannatide (4 mg/kg) produced no significant effect on serum hemolysin level in normal mice, but significantly potentiated hemolysin production in immunosuppressed mice induced by cyclophosphamide (20 mg/kg).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Intraperitoneal RRBC injection is feasible for establishing mouse models of humoral immune response.</p>