A NEW ALLOTYPIC SPECIFICITY IN THE MOUSE (MuA2)

Abstract

Inherited differences between the serum proteins of different mammals have been described for alpha, beta, and gamma globulins and milk proteins. Amongst the gamma globulins of at least three species, differences between individuals of the same species have been demonstrated by means of antibody obtained by isoimmunization. In the mouse, the discovery of one allotypic specificity (MuA1) has been reported in the past and a further, new, allotype (MuA2) is being described in this paper. This antibody has been obtained by immunization of mice (BALB/c strain) with serum (from C57BL/6J × C3H/HeN mice) incorporated in Freund's adjuvant or with microorganisms coated with antibody (raised in C57BL/6J × C3H/HeN mice). Allotypic specificity MuA2 has been found in C57BL/6J, C57BL/10J, and SJL/J, as well as in some non-inbred "Swiss" mice. This allotypic specificity has also been found in all hybrids which have one of the three above mentioned strains in their parentage.