Determination of the Optimal Ratio of Cholesterol to Tissue-Extract Antigen in the Complement-Fixation Test for Syphilis

[摘要] There is an optimal ratio cholesterol:tissue-extract that exhibits maximal antigenic activity in the complement-fixation test for syphilis. With the antigens studied, increase in the ratio, cholesterol:extract , did not result in anticomplementary properties.To determine the optimal ratio, extract must be tested in such concentrations that the optimal amount of cholesterol will fall within the range of quantities soluble in alcoholic tissue-extract.Varying the concentration of alcoholic extract in alcohol does not alter the optimal ratio. Different concentrations of extract require proportionately different quantities of cholesterol for their maximal sensitization.Varying concentrations of the alcoholic extract in alcohol exhibit the same antigenic activity, provided the optimal quantities of cholesterol are added. Differences in concentration are compensated for in tests by changes in the saline dilutions yielding maximal reactions of given quantities of serum. As a result of these findings, the adjustment of cholesterol and tissue-extract for use as antigen in the complement-fixation test for syphilis may be based upon that optimal ratio of the two which exhibits maximal antigenic activity. The experimental procedures given offer a practical method for determining this ratio.

[学科分类] 生物科学（综合）