Gamma Globulin Turnover in Rabbits Before and During Hyperimmunization

The turnover of (131)I-labeled gamma globulin has been determined in rabbits before and during (8 weeks later) hyperimmunization with pneumococcic vaccine, which increased the gamma globulin concentration 5 to 10 times. Before immunization fractional turnover rate was an average of 36 per cent of the plasma pool per day, and the rate of catabolism was 133 mg/kg/day. During hyperimmunization fractional turnover rate was an average of 37 per cent per day, and the rate of catabolism was 1160 mg/kg/day. The observation that the fractional turnover rate is independent of the concentration suggests that the rate of breakdown should have the characteristic of a first order process.