Interaction of antibody-aggregated C4 and guinea-pig red cells: coagglutination phenomenon of Bordet and Gengou.

The component of bovine serum (coagglutinogen) responsible for coagglutination of guinea-pig red cells has been shown to be c4, as anticipated from our previously reported findings on human serum. To effect coagglutination, the C4 needs to be aggregated by antibody; thereby probably increasing the avidity of the C4 for the receptors on guinea-pig red cells. The coagglutinating activity is lost if univalent Fab anti-C4 is used, but it can be restored by adding IgG antibody to the Fab. A procedure is described for producing antibody reagents to human or bovine C4 by injecting guinea-pigs with well-washed coagglutinated guinea-pig red cells.