The Preparation and Uses of Antiglobulin Reagents with Special Reference to Complement‐Fixing Blood Group Antibodies

Abstract

This paper describes the preparation of anti‐C′, anti‐ γ1 and anti‐ γ2 antiglobulin reagents especially for use with human cells sensitized with blood group antibodies. Anti‐ γ1 and anti‐ γ2 are carefully prepared so as to be as specifically active as possible. The paper also describes the value and application of these reagents in clinical diagnostic work and their use in the detection of γ1 and γ2 globulins in solution, or as they occur in the form of antibody absorbed on to erythrocytes. By the use of these sera it is possible to determine the nature of the antibody coating sensitized cells. Within the limitations described, it is possible to do this with the cells coated not only with antibody but with complement as well. The value of these sera in experimental work, with particular reference to the demonstration of the action of human complement on red cells sensitized with blood group antibodies, is described; it is shown that the action between sensitized cells and anti‐ γ1 antiglobulin serum is depressed by complement activity and the significance of these observations is discussed.