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The Isolation of Immunoglobulins of the Adult Opossum (Didelphys Virginiana)¹

From the Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina

Abstract

Analysis of the serum and the immunoglobulins of the adult opossum (Didelphys virginiana) suggests that these animals occupy a position intermediate between eutherian mammals and lower vertebrates in terms of their immune system. The serum proteins of the opossum are similar to those of other mammals in their complexity but differ in the relatively small amount of albumin present. Two major classes of immunoglobulins have been isolated which appear to be very similar to those of eutherian mammals. Although a conversion from macromolecular antibodies to smaller molecular weight antibodies has been demonstrated, preliminary studies suggest that the rate of conversion is much more nearly like that seen in lower vertebrates than in other mammals.

Footnotes

Supported in part by United States Public Health Service grants AM 11797, AM 04839 and funds from the Duke Endowment.