Antibodies and the Protein-Reserves

Summary

A general theory has been presented in an attempt to elucidate further the mechanism of antibody-production. This theory is based on the supposition that antibodies are specifically modified globulins which are formed intracellularly during the synthesis of globulin. If this supposition is correct, it follows that antibody-production must be influenced by the same conditions which determine globulin-production. Inasmuch as experimental evidence indicates that globulin-production is dependent upon the intake of aminoacids and is impaired by an inadequate intake of dietary proteins, it also follows that antibody-production must similarly depend upon protein-intake. The relationships of the theory to some of the problems related to fluctuations in resistance to infectious disease, to the capacity to produce antibodies, and to the conservation of the antibody-matrix, are discussed. Experimental evidence has been cited indicating, in a preliminary way, at least partial confirmation of the general hypothesis. Some of the implications with respect to the problems of war and mass starvation and the capacity of starving peoples to combat infectious disease are discussed.