[Preparation and characterization of antibodies against Bungarus multicinctus venom by liposomes]

Bungarus multicinctus venom was incorporated into sphingomyelin-cholesterol liposomes which were stabilized with osmium tetroxide. The lethal toxicity of B. multicinctus venom in osmicated liposomes greatly decreased to 1.03% that of crude venom. Rabbits were divided into four groups for immunization. Group A was immunized with crude venom, group B and group C with osmicated liposomes, and group D with osmicated liposomes followed by the crude venom. Immunization was performed in the presence of Freund's adjuvant except for group B. The antibody levels during the course of immunization were measured by ELISA and the contents of precipitating antibody were determined by quantitative precipitin reactions, while that of non-precipitating antibody was determined by affinity chromatography. Although the immune response was not increased by incorporating lipopolysaccharide immunostimulant, the specific neutralizing capacity of purified antibody from the pooled antisera of group D was more potent than that of the others. The almost non-toxic osmicated liposomes of B. multicinctus venom may be useful immunogens for the production of antiserum for treatment of snake bites.