Some Factors Affecting Insulin Antibody Production in Guinea Pigs

Repeated injections of insulin in an adjuvant containing heavy mineral oil and lanolin produces very variable effects on antibody production in guinea pigs. Incorporation of H. pertussis vaccine in the adjuvant used for initial injections raises the proportion of active producers of antibodies and rapidly increases the levels of insulin antibodies in their serum. This adjuvant appears to be more effective than the conventional Freund's adjuvant but results in high mortality if given frequently. Using a simple method of antibody assay, it is possible to segregate nonproductive animals at an early stage and so increase the yield of highly active anti-insulin serum.