Anti-galactocerebroside antibody in rabbits with experimental allergic neuritis

Serum antibodies to P2 protein, myelin basic protein (MBP) and galactocerebroside (GC) were examined to study the role of humoral factors in experimental allergic neuritis (EAN). Out of 19 outbred rabbits sensitized with peripheral nerve homogenate, 14 developed EAN and the remaining 5 rabbits did not develop the disease. Anti-P2 protein and anti-MBP antibodies were detected not only in the EAN rabbits but also in the nonresponders. On the other hand, anti-GC antibody was detected in 7 of 14 EAN rabbits but not in the nonresponders. This antibody appeared near the onset of the clinical signs. As 7 rabbits developed EAN in the absence of the antibody and the titer did not correlate with the clinical severity, it is unlikely that anti-GC antibody is the major factor in inducing EAN. However, this antibody, along with other factors, may play a role in EAN.