SERUM PROTEIN CHANGES IN EXPERIMENTAL TUBERCULOSIS AND IMMUNITY

Abstract

The pattern of protein changes during the development of immunity after B. C. G. vaccination and during infection of these immunized animals have been compared with those occurring in non-immunized healthy guinea pigs infected with virulent tubercle bacilli and later treated with INH. The protein patterns were studied by the agar-gel electrophoretic technique. The main features of the results obtained were: (1) in acute infection of normal guinea pigs, a fall was noticed in the albumin level and a rise in all the globulins with no alteration of the total proteins in the earlier phase of the infection; a steep fall in the albumin and increased rise in all the globulins with hyperproteinaemia in the later stages. Treatment with INH raised the lowered albumin and decreased the ,k globulin levels.(2) After B. C. G. vaccination no alteration in the albumin concentration, but a slight fall in a    a2 and P globulins and increase in the globulin associated with hypoproteinaemia was the early reaction. From the second month onwards, an increase in al, a2 and p globulins associated with hyperprotemaemia was observed. During the development of tuberculosis in the immunized animals,globulin remained at the immunized level; az, P and globulins showed an increase, the latter to quite an appreciable extent. Significance of these changes in the individual components in relation to immunity and infection are discussed.