Allotypes in Basilea rabbits

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Abstract
Basilea rabbits produce immunoglobulin molecules, practically all of which have λ light chains rather than x chains. This variant strain was derived from a homozygous (b9/b9) male. Sensitive serological methods revealed that at least some homozygous bas/bas individuals possess traces (about 100 ng/ml) of b9 molecules. This level usually increases to almost 1 μg/ml upon hyperimmunization with pneumococcal or streptococcal vaccines. One exceptional rabbit, with 50 μg/ml of b9 molecules, was found. In spite of the presence of b9 molecules in early pre‐immune bleeds, homozygous bas/bas rabbits produce strong anti‐b9 antibodies; i.e., they are capable of making autoantibodies. These anti‐b9 allotypic antisera were not distinguishable by our methods from routinely produced anti‐b9.