In vitro synthesis of anticollagen IgG by sensitized lymph node cells derived from type II collagen-induced...

Using lymph node cells from Type II collagen-induced polyarthritic rats, the present studies describe an in vitro system that is active in the synthesis of anticollagen IgG. Synthesis of anticollagen IgG by these cells is blocked by the addition of cycloheximide, indicating a requirement for de novo protein synthesis. The predominant anticollagen IgG synthesized is IgG2a; this subclass also represents the major anticollagen IgG present in the serum and the cartilage of polyarthritic rats. Synthesis of anticollagen IgG is inhibited by a mixture of D-penicillamine and copper sulfate. These latter observations suggest that the in vitro system described is responsive to pharmacologic intervention.