Immune Responses in Rabbits Treated With Tetracycline

Abstract

Cellular and humoral immunological phenomena in rabbits treated with tetracycline were investigated by lymphocyte transformation, leucocyte migration inhibition, and indirect hemagglutination tests. Cellular and/or humoral immunity against tetracycline and/or homologous or autologous rabbit gamma globulin was acquired by about two-thirds of the rabbits, with some also acquiring immunity against homologous tissue antigen after prolonged tetracycline administration. Based on these results, the significance of immune responses to autoantigens by drug administration was discussed in relation to potential agents for the induction of autoimmune diseases.