Serum groups in rabbits

Abstract

By immunizing rabbits with bacteria agglutinated by corresponding immune rabbit sera group iso-precipitins were obtained. Using the iso-precipitins thus obtained the rabbit sera could be divided into two serum groups: D (a+) and D (a—); for grouping the gel diffusion technique was applied.

The serum groups are heritable; probably group D (a+) is inherited as a dominant character. D (a+) mothers can transfer D^a protein non-genetically. The substance thus obtained is then gradually eliminated from the bloodstream of the young animal. D^a antigen has γ-globulin electrophoretic mobility as shown by means of immunoelectrophoresis. The incidence of group D (a+) in 92 unrelated rabbits was 27.2 per cent.

The authors discuss the relationship between iso-precipitins and anti-antibodies and the practical significance of rabbit serum groups analogous to human Gm serum groups.