GAMMA GLOBULINS IN GERM-FREE RATS

Abstract

Comparison of the [gamma]-globulin concentration in plasma from normal and "germ-free" rats indicates a tripled [gamma]-globulin synthesis in the control group as compared to the "germ-free" group. The [gamma]-globulin concentration did not decrease in 5 consecutive "germ-free" generations. The diet was not free from antigens. Results indicate that the bacterial antigens from the environment and from microorganisms represent the normal, quantitatively dominant stimulus for [gamma]-globulin producing cells in rats.