STUDIES ON THE TOXICITIES OF ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE AND CALCIUM-PHOSPHATEAS IMMUNOLOGICAL ADJUVANTS FOR VACCINES

Aluminium hydroxide (Al) and calcium phosphate (Ca) have been used for many years as immunological adjuvants for biologicals. We investigate d the toxic effects of both adjuvants with different physical properti es. Al-gel elicited vascular permeability-increasing and toxic effects to macrophages (Mphi), while its haemolytic effect was weak. Ca-gel e licited a significantly stronger haemolytic effect, but no other toxic effect. Incubation of Mphi or polymorphonuclear leucocytes with Al-su spension resulted in the largest release of lactate dehydrogenase. Ca- suspension caused haemolysis of about 50% of that caused by Ca-gel.