Amboceptor
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Amboceptor is a historical immunological term originating from Ehrlich's theory, referring to what is now known as an antibody or sensitizer. It acts by fixing serum complement to an antigen to enable the lytic action of the complement, forming the basis of reactions such as bacteriolysis and hemolysis.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
AMBOCEPTOR (from Latin ambo - both and capere - to take), fixator, sensitizer; according to Ehrlich's theory, a specific antibody that appears upon immunization with bacteria or cells and in infectious diseases. The amboceptor fixes the complement (alexin) present in the serum onto the antigen and allows the latter to manifest its characteristic lytic action. The corresponding reaction (bacteriolysis, hemolysis, etc.) thus consists of two phases: 1) the combination of the antigen with the specific antibody (amboceptor) and 2) the lysis (dissolution) of the complex (antigen + amboceptor) by the complement (see Immunity).
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“Amboceptor.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/amboceptor/