EFFECTS OF DL-PENICILLAMINE ON CYTOTOXIC REACTION BETWEEN BABOON PERFORMED XENOANTIBODIES AND PIG ENDOTHELIAL-CELLS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of DL-Penicillamine (DLP), a compound interrupting S-S bonds (IgM pentamers) on binding an d cytotoxicity of adult baboon performed xenoantibodies to pig endothe lial cells. Pooled baboon serum was treated with different concentrati ons of DLP during various periods of time. Complement-mediated cytotox icity assay was used to determine the reactivity of baboon xenoantibod ies to pig aortic endothelial cells (PAEC). To assess IgM and IgG bind ing to PAEC, ELISA method was applied. Serum treated with DLP revealed significant reduction of cytotoxicity in a dose dependent manner. Cyt otoxicity was also reduced during time prolongation of DLP exposure to PAEC. Results indicate that baboon performed IgM and IgG xenoantibodi es bind to pig endothelial cells, but only IgM is able to cause degrad ation of the complement. DLP significantly reduces cytotoxicity and el iminates binding of IgMs to PAEC in spite of continued binding of IgG xenoantibodies to the surface of endothelium.