Abrogation by subsequent feeding of antibody response including IgE, in parenterally immunized mice

We have investigated the possibility of oral administration of ovalbumin (OVA) to prevent a secondary antibody response and interrupt reaginic antibody production. Repeated feeding seems necessary for both. Quality of results was dependent on the number of ingestions. Differences in abrogation of antibody response between mice strains were observed. Best results were obtained with AKR mice, good suppression was seen in C3H strain, and inconsistent results were obtained with DBA/2. 10 OVA oral doses were necessary to prevent a secondary antibody response in parenterally immunized mice, but 4 doses interrupted reaginic production in sensitized AKR mice. These results demonstrate that antigen feeding can prevent a secondary antibody response and interrupt reaginic antibody production.