Immune response to aflatoxin Br-histone H, Complex

Abstract

Antibodies against aflatoxin B, have been raised in rabbits using aflatoxin B,-histone H, conjugates as immunogen. Aflatoxin B, was coupled to histone H, via the ultimate carcinogen aflatoxin B,-2, 3-epoxide. The antibodies are specific for aflatoxin B,. The average number of binding sites on the antibody molecules for aflatoxin B, as obtained from Scratched plot analysis of the binding data is 1.94 with <F° = -6.19 Kcal/mol, while the average association constant for the binding is 34.5 x 103 M'1. Male wistar rats after immunization with aflatoxin B,-histone H, showed lower mortality and reduction of acute toxic effects in the liver when challenged with a single dose of aflatoxin B,. The antibodies may be useful in immunoprophylaxis against aflatoxicosis.