Dept of Pathology Bombay Veterinary College, Parel, Mumbai-400 012, India
The present study was undertaken to estimate the circulating immune complexes (CIC) and their impact on specific antibody (IgG) production in equines undergoing hyperimmunization against four snake venoms to raise polyvalent antisnake venom sera (ASVS) and evaluate the various protocols used for ASVS production. Twenty-five equines including horses, ponies and mules were divided into five groups and hyperimmunised with the mixture containing various levels of four common Indian poisonous snake venoms. Serum samples were collected at periodic interval to estimate CIC and Ig G levels. A linear daywise increase was observed for both CIC and IgG levels. Towards the end of hyperimmunization, high levels of CIC with drop in IgG levels were noted in all the immunized groups. High levels of Circulating Immune Complexes in last phase of hyperimmunization might be responsible for further specific IgG production. The levels of CIC were also dependent on quantity of venom administered and days of interval between two doses. The negative impact of high CIC on IgG production in last phase of immunization was observed and low and constant dose of venom was found to be most suitable for hyperimmunization to get maximum and potent antibody yield
Immune complexes, IgG, Antivenom sera, Equines
