Isoimmunization in the human subject to the blood group factors A, B and Rh

Abstract

The process by which specific antibodies are formed in an individual in response to stimulation by an antigen is called immunization. An antigen which is contained in some individuals of a species may, under suitable conditions, stimulate the production of specific antibodies when injected into other individuals of the same species who do not already possess the antigen. This process is called iso-immuhization and the antibodies produced are iso-antibodies. The first experiments on this subject were made on animals (6) by Ehrlich and Morgenroth who discovered that when one goat was iniected with the blood of another goat, immune iso-haemolysins(8)became apparent in its serum. in 1933 Irwin and Hill madeuse of the phenomenon of iso-immunization for the purpose of studying the cellular individuality of erythrocytes in doves. Back cross-hybrids were joined by parabiosis and it was found that each member of a pair of parabiotic twins developed antibodies against the erythrocytes of the other, due to mutual (3)iso-immunization. Dienst first suggested that there might be Iso-immunization within the human species. He showed that following pregnancy in some cases there was an increase in the Anti-A or anti-B iso-agglutinin titre of the mother's serum when the infant's erythrocytes contained a corresponding, A or B agglutinogen.