[Comparative study on the immunogenicity of plasma substitutes with gelatin base in animal experiments].

The immune response of rabbits and guinea pigs to gelatin and to three commercial plasma substitutes based on gelatin (oxypolygelatin [OPG], di-isocyanate cross-linked gelatin [DCG], modified fluid gelatin [MFG]) has been reevaluated. Passive hemagglutination, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and active anaphylaxis have been used to detect the response of animals immunized in complete Fruend's adjuvant or in aluminium hydroxide. Marked immune responses were observed with DCG and MFG which were to a large extent specific for the immunizing antigen (i.e. the corresponding chemically modified gelatin). Gelatin and OPG induced weak responses. In contrast to DCG and MFG in systemic anaphylactic shock experiments no anaphylactic shock could be elicited with gelatin and OPG. A limited series of immunizations in guinea pigs of various strains demonstrated that responses to weak immunogens, such as modified gelatins, are markedly influenced by genetic factors.