Friend Leukemogenic Virus-neutralizing Antibody from Mouse Ascitic Fluid.

Ascitic fluid antibody produced in C57/B1 mice immunized with Friend leukemogenic virus exhibited potent neutralizing activity. In vitro neutralization tests revealed that a mean neutralization index of 3.0 was achieved, and it was shown by sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation that this antibody resembled the 7S type. A mean yield of 6.7 ml of fluid per mouse per weekly paracentesis was obtained over an 8-week period. The ascitic fluid antibody to Friend virus was also active in vivo. Mice given antibody 3, 5, 7, and 9 days after infection with Friend virus did not develop the splenomegaly characteristic of Friend disease.