[Experimental immune arteriosclerosis in the rabbit. Immunogenic and pathogenic properties of glycoproteins and...

Rabbits immunized with kappa elastin produced arteriosclerosis and antibodies that bound to target-structures (elastic fiber sheaths, endothelial and smooth muscle cells). These antibodies were cytotoxic for cultured rabbit or rat arterial smooth muscle cells. Absorption of the antielastin antiserum with pig aorta or human serum glycoproteins inhibited its binding to target-structures and suppressed its in vitro cytotoxicity. These data are discussed.