Freund's Complete Adjuvant
From Biocrawler, the free encyclopedia.
Freund's adjuvant is an antigen solution emulsified in mineral oil, used as an immunopotentiator (booster of the immune system). The so-called complete form (FCA) is composed of inactivated and dried mycobacteria, usually Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the pathogenic agent of tuberculosis). The so-called incomplete form (FIA) is the same adjuvant, but without the mycobacterial components. Named after Jules T. Freund (1890-1960), Hungarian-born American immunologist.
Freund's adjuvant is effective in stimulating cell-mediated immunity and may lead to the potentiation of the production of certain immunoglobulins, but this effect depends on the animal model used. Its use in humans is forbidden, due to its toxicity. Even for animal research there are currently guidelines associated with it, due to its painful reaction and potential for tissue damage. Injections of FCA should be subcutaneous or intraperitoneal, because intradermal injections may cause skin ulceration and necrosis; intramuscular injections may lead to temporary or permanent muscle lesion, and intravenous injections may produce pulmonary lipid embolism.
External links
- Recommendations for Use and Alternatives to Freund's Complete Adjuvant (http://research.uiowa.edu/animal/?get=adjuvant). University of Iowa.
