ABSTRACT
For the detection of the synthesis in vitro of anti-Mycobacterium leprae antibodies in various tissues of leprosy patients, biopsy specimens of skin lesions, nasal mucosa, larynx, lymph nodes, and bone marrow were cultured in a medium containing 14C-labeled lysine and isoleucine. The culture fluids were analyzed by crossed immunoelectrophoresis with intermediate gel and autoradiography. The results show that synthesis of anti-M. leprae antibodies occurs at the investigated sites of leprosy patients and that the specificities of the synthesized antibodies differ between sites in individual patients. It is conceivable that these antibodies play a role in the local defense against M. leprae.
Subject(s)
Antibodies, Bacterial/biosynthesis , Antibody Specificity , Mycobacterium leprae/immunology , Antigens, Bacterial/immunology , Autoradiography , Bone Marrow/immunology , Culture Techniques , Humans , Immunoelectrophoresis, Two-Dimensional , Immunoglobulins/biosynthesis , Larynx/immunology , Lymph Nodes/immunology , Nasal Mucosa/immunology , Skin/immunologyABSTRACT
In an in vitro study, IgG was synthesized in large amounts by tissue from cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions. IgA and IgM were produced in the minority of the cultures in distinct and small amounts, respectively. Synthesis of complement (C3 and C4) could not be detected, but lysozyme was produced sporadically. The significance of these findings is discussed.
