BREAKDOWN OF EMBRYONIC (CHICK) CARTILAGE AND BONE CULTIVATED IN PRESENCE OF COMPLEMENT-SUFFICIENT ANTISERUM .3. IMMUNOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

1. Embryonic limb bones of the chick cultivated in viho in the presence of complement-sufficient antiserum directed against cell membrane antigens, exhibited severe anatomical and histological alterations involving extensive degradation of cartilage, resorption of bone and modulation of cell type. 2. The morphological changes require the involvement of both antibody and complement. Antibody may be IgM or IgG. Antiserum directed against serum proteins is not effective. 3. The serum ofC'6deficientrabbitsisnotactive inthissystemandthecomplementactivity of complement-sufficient normal serum may be inactivated by absorption with antigen/antibody aggregates or with zymosan. 4. The mode of action by which antibody and complement initiate the cellular and tissue changes is discussed. © 1969 S. Karger AG, Basel.