Studies on the Production of Wassermann Reagin

Abstract

Summary Antigens for the VDRL microflocculation test have been prepared containing: a) a synthetic substitute for cardiolipin, b) a synthetic substitute for natural lecithin, and c) synthetic substitutes for both cardiolipin and lecithin. Reagin-like antibodies were produced when the floccules formed by mixing each of these with syphilitic serum were injected into rabbits. Results are given for dimyristoyl glycerophosphoric acid as a substitute for cardiolipin and dioleoyl lecithin as a substitute for naturally occurring lecithin. The relation of these findings to the formation of reagin in syphilitic infection is discussed.