ANTIBODIES OF IGG(2) SUBTYPE ARE INVOLVED IN THE IMMUNOLOGICAL INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE OF TNBS-INDUCED ENTERITIS IN RATS

Conclusive evidence of particular aetiologic factors in human inflamma tory bowel diseases (IBDs) has not been obtained. However, there is in formation to suggest that immunologic mechanisms are involved in the p athogenesis and perpetuation of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's di sease. A TNBS-induced enteritis was developed by immunisation and loca l challenge of rats with TNBS. This animal model mimicked several feat ures of human Crohn's disease. Because of the immunoglobulin component in human Crohn's disease, investigation of the TNBS-induced immunolog ical response in the animal model was performed. A specific ELISA was developed to assess the humoral part of the TNBS sensitisation in the rat. Investigation of sera obtained from sensitized animals 11 weeks a fter the start of TNBS immunisation procedure revealed a clear IgG-spe cific immune response against TNBS. Immunoglobulin subtypes were diffe rentiated by goat anti-rat antibodies and results indicate a specific IgG2 subtype response.