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The half-life of passively acquired antibody globulin molecules in infants

A S WIENER

    The Journal of Experimental Medicine
    |September 1, 1951
    PubMed

    Insights

    The half-life of Rh antibodies crossing the placenta is about 30 days. This Rh antibody half-life is similar to other antibodies and gamma globulin, explaining lower A-B sensitization erythroblastosis incidence.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Neonatal Medicine
    • Perinatal Biology

    Background:

    • Erythroblastosis fetalis, a condition in newborns, is often caused by Rh sensitization.
    • Understanding antibody dynamics in neonates is crucial for managing hemolytic disease.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To determine the half-life of Rh antibodies transferred across the placenta.
    • To compare the elimination rates of Rh antibodies with other antibodies in newborns.
    • To elucidate the reasons for differential incidence of erythroblastosis.

    Main Methods:

    • Tracking passively acquired Rh antibody titers in newborn infants.
    • Observing the fate of free Rh antibodies in infants with erythroblastosis.
    • Comparing antibody elimination in Rh-positive versus Rh-negative infants.

    Main Results:

    • The half-life of placenta-passing Rh antibody molecules was calculated to be approximately 30 days.
    • This half-life appears consistent for various placenta-passing antibodies and serum gamma globulin.
    • Rh antibodies were not eliminated faster in Rh-positive infants compared to Rh-negative infants.
    • Incompatible alpha and beta antibodies were rapidly neutralized and eliminated in newborns.

    Conclusions:

    • The prolonged half-life of Rh antibodies contributes to their persistence and impact in neonatal isoimmunization.
    • Rapid elimination of ABO antibodies offers a potential explanation for the lower incidence of erythroblastosis due to A-B sensitization compared to Rh sensitization.

    Keywords:
    ANTIGENS AND ANTIBODIESRh FACTOR

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