Increased macrophage migration inhibition factor production in hamsters sensitized by amoebic antigen and glucan

Well defined cell-mediated immune responses were detectable following experimental immunization of hamsters with Entamoeba histolytica antigen, using glucan as an adjuvant. Peritoneal cells from amoeba antigen-glucan sensitized animals, upon incubation with specific antigen in vitro, were found to release into the supernatant a macrophage migration inhibition factor (MIF). Such supernatant fluids inhibited the migration of macrophages from non-sensitized hamsters. The production of MIF was found to be greatly increased if glucan is added to amoeba antigen when sensitizing animals. The optimal concentration for maximum inhibition was recorded at 10(-8) dilution of the supernatant.