Antiserum was raised against the Avena sativa L. caryopsis beta-d-glucan fraction with an average molecular weight of 1.5 x 10(4). Polyclonal antibodies recovered from the serum after Protein A-Sepharose column chromatography precipitated when cross-reacted with high molecular weight (1-->3), (1-->4)-beta-d-glucans. These antibodies were effective in suppression of cell wall autohydrolytic reactions and auxin-induced decreases in noncellulosic glucose content of the cell wall of maize (Zea mays L.) coleoptiles. The results indicate antibody-mediated interference with in situ beta-d-glucan degradation. The antibodies at a concentration of 200 micrograms per milliliter also suppress auxin-induced elongation by about 40% and cell wall loosening (measured by the minimum stress-relaxation time of the segments) of Zea coleoptiles. The suppression of elongation by antibodies was imposed without a lag period. Auxin-induced elongation, cell wall loosening, and chemical changes in the cell walls were near the levels of control tissues when segments were subjected to antibody preparation precipitated by a pretreatment with Avena caryopsis beta-d-glucans. These results support the idea that the degradation of (1-->3), (1-->4)-beta-d-glucans by cell wall enzymes is associated with the cell wall loosening responsible for auxin-induced elongation.