| Abstrakt: |
Antigenic cross-reactivity between mouse or human glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and group A type 12 beta-hemolytic streptococcal cell membranes (SCM) was evaluated by immunofluorescent techniques. Neonatal tissue proved to be more reactive than adult tissue with anti-SCM and anti-GBM antisera whose specificity was toward protein epitopes. Removal of carbohydrate moieties by enzymes (CHOase), converted adult tissue antigenicity to that of the neonate. Partial removal of some CHO, especially sialic acid, gave a partial enhancement of antigenicity. Contrariwise, antisera directed toward CHO epitopes while showing some reactivity in adult tissue gave variable results in the neonatal or young tissue. Anti-CHO sera of SCM were negative while anti-CHO sera of GBM immunogens did react slightly. None of the antisera used in these studies gave positive reactivity to heart, lung or liver tissue from any mice. |
