Normal Immunoglobulins and Antibody Response in Neonatally Thymectomized Mice

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Abstract
The 7Sγ2-, 7Sγ1-, γ1A- (β2A)-, and γ1M-globulins were typically present in the serum of neonatally thymectomized C3Hf/Lw mice. Low levels of the 7Sγ2- and 7Sγ1-globulins were often observed and shown to be due to accelerated catabolism of these proteins. The synthesis of 7Sγ2- and 7Sγ1-globulins was normal or increased in thymectomized mice. Serum γ1A (β2A)-globulin levels were increased in an irregular manner in the neonatally thymectomized mice. The serum γ1M-globulin levels were usually normal. The immunoglobulins of neonatally thymectomized mice were similar to those of normal mice on the basis of isoantigens, antigenic determinants detected with heterologous antiserums, skin-sensitizing ability, and metabolic behavior. Antibody response in neonatally thymectomized mice was not impaired to ferritin and only slightly impaired to hemocyanin under the conditions of antigenic challenge used. Antibody response to sheep erythrocytes, however, was markedly impaired. Demonstration of normal immune response under certain conditions indicated that neonatal thymectomy produces only a limited immune deficiency. The capacity to synthesize heavy and light polypeptide chains for immunoglobulin formation seemed normal. The defect responsible for the limited immune impairment in neonatally thymectomized mice evidently occurred at an early stage of the response to antigenic stimulation.

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