[Immunological studies on the antigenicity of the cephem antibiotic T-2588]

Abstract

The antigenicity or immunological characteristics of T-2588, newly-developed ester type cephem antibiotic, was studied employing rabbits, guinea pigs and mice. The results obtained were as follows: Antibody production against T-2588 was not observed in rabbit immunized with the emulsion of T-2588 and Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA). Hapten-specific antibody production against T-2525 was demonstrated by indirect hemagglutination test and 4 hrs. PCA of guinea pigs, employing rabbit antiserum hyperimmunized with the emulsion of T-2525 coupled to rabbit serum albumin and FCA. Hapten-specific antibody production against T-2525 was demonstrated by 48 hrs. PCA of rats, employing mice immunized with the mixture of T-2525 coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanin and aluminium hydroxide gel. Cross antigenicity of T-2525 was observed to be relatively strong against cefotaxime and ceftizoxime, and very weak against cephalothin (CET), cefazolin, cefoperazone (CPZ), cefmenoxime, cefotiam and benzylpenicillin (PCG). Anaphylactic syndrome was not observed in guinea pigs actively sensitized with the emulsion of T-2588 or T-2525 and FCA. The ability of T-2588 and T-2525 to give a positive reaction in Coombs' test was rather weaker than that of CET, CPZ and PCG.