Role of antibodies to galactocerebroside in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis.

The possible role of antibodies to galactocerebroside was investigated in AS rats with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by guinea-pig spinal cord. Passive immunization with rat or rabbit antiserum to galactocerebroside did not protect rats from EAE. Active immunization with galactocerebroside before the encephalitogenic challenge produced antibody to galactocerebroside but also failed to protect rats from EAE. These experiments did not support previous suggestions that antibodies to galactocerebroside are protective.