Antibody Production in Inbred Strains of Mice

Abstract

Based on tests involving the use of 5 inbred strains of mice, evidence is presented which indicates that there is genetic variation in the ability of the mouse to produce demonstrable circulating antibody to either egg albumin or pneumococcus polysaccharide. From the results obtained by the use of the two chemically definable antigens, it is suggested that the mouse does not form antibody to antigens of different chemical constitution in an identical manner. Intra-abdominal injection of egg albumin incited the production of more antibody than intramuscular injection. The number of injections of polysaccharide—either 1 or 5—had no significant effect on antibody production. The age of the animals had a highly significant effect on antibody production, animals 2 months old producing much less than animals 4 to 5 months old. The sex of the animals had no effect.