Association of host immunoglobulins with solid tumours in vivo.

Using a direct radioimmune antiglobulin technique and a competitive double-antibody radioimmune assay, we have demonstrated the presence of appreciable amounts of host immunoglobulins on the surface and in extracts of cell suspensions from freshly excised solid tumours. IgA appeared to have the greatest concentrations from freshly excised solid tumours. IgA appeared to have the greatest concentration, followed in turn by IgM congruent to IgG2a greater than IgG1 congruent to IgG2b greater than IgG3. The amount of immunoglobulin appeared to be influenced by the tumour under investigation and its mode of maintenance. It could also be increased by the administration of C. parvum but was not significantly influenced by the T-cell status of the host.