Induction and modification of anti-TNP reaginic and IgG antibody responses by reactive trinitrophenyl derivatives.

The anti-TNP antibody response of mice exposed to picryl chloride is a response where IgE antibody can be preferentially produced. Skin-painting with picryl chloride induces IgM, IgG and IgE antibody. After repeated painting the titre and persistence of the IgE but not IgG antibody is increased. Feeding picryl chloride does not induce antibody but it does produce unresponsiveness for IgG without affecting responsiveness for IgE. Injection of picryl sulphonic acid produces unresponsiveness for both classes. The unresponsiveness (induced by feeding or injection) is found for responses to picryl chloride but responses to TNP-KLH are barely affected. Both the IgE and IgG responses to picryl chloride are initiated in the lymph nodes and then develop in the spleen. IgE and IgG antibody production are both T-cell dependent but not influenced by adult thymectomy.