| Abstract: | Crude outer membrane (OM) was prepared by extraction of bacteria of the Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains 8551. V, and VII, with an EDTA-containing buffer. The preparations contained the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and at least 10 proteins as shown by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Immunization of rabbits with untreated OM resulted in production of antibodies against several antigens, including LPS. Antisera raised against periodate-treated OM did not contain antibodies against LPS. These latter antisera agglutinated heat-treated (100 degrees C, 60 min) gonoccal cells by means of antibodies to one or more common agglutinogens and against a strain-specific agglutinogen that was susceptible to digestion with proteolytic enzymes. Both side agglutination and a plate agglutination test could be used to detect antibodies against these agglutinogens. |
