An autoantibody-like factor reactive with liver parenchymal cells in the serum of the pig

Abstract

Pig serum possesses an autoantibody (like factor) reactive with autologous disaggregated liver cells. This autoreactive antibody is IgM and the corresponding antigenic determinant on liver cells is likely to be membrane-located.

This autoantibody was shown by the mixed antiglobulin reaction but could also be demonstrated by immune adherence.

Pig liver cells disaggregated after careful perfusion show no evidence of having reacted with this autoantibody in vivo. This suggests that, in the pig at any rate, the liver cells are not in free contact with the circulating blood plasma and that the fluid in the Space of Disse is free of IgM molecules.

The pig seems to be unusual in possessing this autoreactive immunoglobulin. A similar reactive substance is absent in the guinea-pig, rabbit and man. In the mouse, trace amounts only of an autoreactive factor could be shown.