A Quantitative Study of the Precipitin Reaction between Type III Pneumococcus Polysaccharide and Purified Homologous Antibody

A Quantitative Study of the Precipitin Reaction between Type III Pneumococcus Polysaccharide and Purified Homologous Antibody

Contributor(s):
Heidelberger, Michael
Kendall, Forrest E.
Journal of Experimental Medicine
Publication:
Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, December 1929
Language(s):
English
Format:
Text
Subject(s):
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Antibodies
Pneumococcal Infections
Polysaccharides
Genre(s):
Archival Materials
Articles
Abstract:
In this article, Heidelberger detailed his findings of what happened when he conducted a precipitin reaction between the polysaccharides of type III pneumococcus and its homologous antibody (an antibody formed against a specific antigen, here type III pneumococcal polysaccharide). Heidelberger demonstrated that when an antigen in solution is exposed to its homologous antibodies, a solid precipitant is formed which can be analyzed by chemical methods to identify its components. Heidelberger developed this so-called precipitin reaction into a powerful experimental method in immunochemistry. It was part of his effort to persuade critics that the polysaccharides, not rogue protein contaminants, were responsible for the antigenic effect he had previously observed.
Copyright:
This item may be under copyright protection; contact the copyright owner for permission before re-use.
Extent:
15 pages
NLM Unique ID:
101584940X10 (See in Profiles in Science)
Profiles in Science ID:
DHBBBM
Permanent Link:
http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/101584940X10
Archival Collection:
The Michael Heidelberger Papers (Profiles in Science)