Analysis of Serum from Lethally Irradiated Mice Treated with Rat Bone Marrow

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Abstract
Summary: Interfacial tests for rat and mouse serum proteins with specific antiserum reagents on serum samples obtained from lethally irradiated mice 12–55 days after RBM treatment showed negative reactions for rat-type protein and positive reactions for mouse-type proteins. Double serum-agar diffusion tests on these same serum samples showed the presence of mouse serum globulins (lipo- and glycoprotein) and the absence of rat serum globulins. Serum A/G ratios of these mice seemed to be correlated with the physical condition of the animal at the time of sacrifice; those in poor condition had a low serum A/G value, but those classified as in good condition had A/G values considerably higher, yet below the normal age controls. The presence of rat-type proteins in the serum of long-term heterologous survivors was induced by exposure to a supralethal x-ray dose. Immunization of long-term heterologous chimeras with sheep RBC antigen resulted in an increase of globulin proteins in the serum of three chimeras, as revealed by paper electrophoresis and biuret tests. Interfacial tests for rat-type protein on these serum samples before and after this immunization were negative, whereas tests for mouse proteins were positive. The data were discussed in terms of the host versus graft destruction hypothesis.