The Immune Response in the Hamster

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Abstract
An immunoglobulin (Ig) class, analogous to IgA in other mammals, was identified in hamster serum and secretions. This protein was the main Ig in saliva and colostrum and the only Ig in enteric contents. Specific antisera to hamster IgA were readily prepared by inoculating rabbits with a precipitate produced after reacting rabbit anti-hamster 7Sγ-2-F(ab′)2 with hamster saliva. Hamster IgA migrated as a β-protein on electrophoresis and shared Fab determinants with the other three Ig classes, but it also had unique antigenic determinants. Specific antibody activity was best induced in serum IgA by a combination of oral and parenteral immunization. A heterogeneity of IgA molecular sizes (7S and larger) existed in serum, saliva and enteric contents although salivary IgA sedimented most rapidly on sucrose density gradient analysis. After mild reduction and alkylation, the IgA of serum and enteric contents sedimented as 7S proteins.

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