A NEW METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF RABBIT ANTIRAT LYMPHOCYTE SERUM

SUMMARY Rat lymphocytes, chemically cross linked with 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, when injected into rabbits, produced an antilymphocyte serum that was more avid and specific for lymphocytes as shown by several in vitro and in vivo systems than was antilymphocyte serum produced by standard methods. Chemically treated lymphocytes did not lyse in distilled water and, after prolonged storage at 4 C, did not show any change in antigenicity. Electron micrographs of treated lymphocytes and thymocytes, stored as long as 6 months at 4 C, showed little or no difference when compared to untreated cells obtained within 24 hr