Quantification of in vitro antibody secretion by immune spleen cells

A simple method to study 19S anti-SRBC antibody production is described. This technique, performed by incubation of immune spleen cells, SRBC and C in the fluid phase, utilises photomeric estimation of antibody mediated haemoglobin release. The test is quicker and more accurate than the two-step haemolytic plaque assay (Jerne technique). In combination with the Jerne technique this method gives information about haemolysin production per PFC. This was maximal on day 2 and on day 6 after immunisation, and least on day 4. The steady state value was reached again at day 9. In principle this method is suitable for the estimation of IgG production.