Placental transfer of insulin-binding antibodies in the guinea pig

¹ Radioisotope Service, Veterans Administration Center, and Department of Medicine, Marquette University School of Medicine, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Insulin-binding antibodies were demonstrated in the serum of fetuses and newborn of insulin-treated guinea pigs. The antibody concentrations in fetal and maternal sera were comparable. Following delivery, the antibody decreased more rapidly in the newborn than in the mother. Antibodies injected into the maternal circulation were demonstrable in increasing concentration in the fetal circulation from 12 to 120 hr after maternal injection. These studies favor a mechanism of passive transplacental transfer of anti-insulin antibodies.

Key Words: insulin • antibody • anti-insulin • insulin-binding capacity • passive transplacental transfer

Submitted on May 27, 1963