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THE CHANGES IN SERUM PROTEINS AND BLOOD VOLUME DURING IMMUNIZATION
1Medical Department B and the Department of Clinical Chemistry, Bispebjerg Hospital, and the State Serum Institute, Copenhagen.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Hyperimmunization in rabbits led to increased gamma globulin, significantly expanding plasma volume. Red blood cell volume remained constant, resulting in lower hemoglobin concentration in vaccinated rabbits.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Physiology
Background:
- Hyperimmunization with pneumococcal vaccine induces high gamma globulin levels in rabbits.
- Understanding the physiological impact of elevated gamma globulin is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between gamma globulin concentration and plasma volume in hyperimmunized rabbits.
- To determine the effect of hyperimmunization on red blood cell volume and hemoglobin concentration.
Main Methods:
- Plasma volume was measured using (131)I-labelled rabbit albumin.
- Red cell volume was determined using (51)-Cr-labelled autologous red cells.
- These parameters were compared between hyperimmunized and normal rabbits.
Main Results:
- Plasma volume increased proportionally with gamma globulin concentration, reaching up to 70 ml/kg at 10 gm% gamma globulin, compared to normal 30 ml/kg.
- Red cell volume remained unchanged in hyperimmunized rabbits compared to controls.
- Hemoglobin concentration decreased as gamma globulin levels increased.
Conclusions:
- Elevated gamma globulin concentrations significantly expand plasma volume in rabbits.
- The increase in plasma volume compensates for unchanged red cell mass, leading to hemodilution and reduced hemoglobin concentration.
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