Freund's Complete Adjuvant

Freund's adjuvant is an antigensolution emulsifiedin 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 pathogenicagent 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 Americanimmunologist.

Freund's adjuvant is effective in stimulating cell-mediated immunityand may lead to the potentiation of the production of certain immunoglobulins, but this effect depends on the animal modelused. Its use in humans is forbidden, due to its toxicity. Even for animal research there are currently guidelinesassociated with it, due to its painfulreaction and potential for tissue damage. Injections of FCA should be subcutaneous or intraperitoneal, because intradermal injections may cause skin ulcerationand necrosis; intramuscular injections may lead to temporary or permanent musclelesion, and intravenous injections may produce pulmonary lipid embolism.

External links

• Recommendations for Use and Alternatives to Freund's Complete Adjuvant. University of Iowa.

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