Abderhalden reaction

Abderhalden's reaction is a controversial blood test for pregnancy by means of an alleged enzyme reaction. It was developed by Swiss biochemist Emil Abderhalden in 1909. The test was based on the theory that the introduction of foreign proteins into the body would cause the body to produce specific enzymes to break down these proteins.

History

The Abderhalden reaction was first described by Emil Abderhalden in 1909. He believed that the reaction could be used as a diagnostic tool for pregnancy and certain diseases. However, the test was controversial from the start, with many scientists unable to reproduce Abderhalden's results. Despite this, the test was widely used in Europe until the 1920s, when it was largely discredited.

Procedure

The Abderhalden reaction involves mixing a sample of the patient's blood serum with a solution containing the foreign protein. The mixture is then incubated for several hours. If the patient's body has produced enzymes to break down the foreign protein, the solution will become clear. If not, the solution will remain cloudy.

Controversy

The Abderhalden reaction has been the subject of controversy since its inception. Many scientists were unable to reproduce Abderhalden's results, leading to doubts about the validity of the test. In addition, the test was found to be unreliable, with a high rate of false positives and negatives. Despite these issues, the test was widely used in Europe until the 1920s, when it was largely discredited.

Legacy

Despite its controversy, the Abderhalden reaction had a significant impact on the field of immunology. It was one of the first tests to suggest that the body produces specific enzymes in response to foreign proteins, a concept that is fundamental to our understanding of the immune system today.

See also

• Emil Abderhalden
• Enzyme
• Immunology

References

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