Evaluation of a subcutaneously implanted chamber for antibody production in rabbits

Polyclonal antibody production in subcutaneous chambers was compared to traditional antibody production methods in rabbits. The chamber, a sterilized plastic wiffle golf ball that had been surgically implanted in the subcutis of the thoracic region, was immunized via a percutaneous injection of antigen into the core of the ball through one of the perforations in the chamber wall. Rabbits bearing chambers were immunized on the same schedule and with the same concentrations of antigens as were provided the adjuvant injected rabbits. Fluid volumes of 12 to 22 ml could be removed from each chamber at weekly intervals. Chamber antibody to specific microbial antigens was equal to or better than serum antibody produced to the same antigens with Freund's or acrylamide adjuvants. The comfort of the rabbit, the ease in chamber immunization, and the recovery of high titer antibody in large volumes make the subcutaneous chamber an attractive method for polyclonal antibody production.