Differentiation of antibody‐synthesizing cells to production of allelic variants of rat immunoglobulin light chains

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Abstract
In individual F1 hybrid rats, heterozygous for allelic genes of immunoglobulin light chains, the ratio of two allotypic variants of these chains was determined in antibodies to dansyl and p‐aminobenzoic groups. From data obtained it was concluded that the differentiation of antibody‐producing cells with respect to allelic genes represents an antigen‐independent process. The ratio of allotypes in antibodies was detected following each of three antigen injections. The allotypic composition of antibodies isolated after the primary immunization was shown to be different from that of antibodies formed after the second immunization. Such differences were not found between antibodies isolated after the second and third immunizations. It might be that a new or, in any case, renovated population of antibody‐producing cells is involved in immune response after a second antigen injection.