Synthesis of IgG, IgA, IgM by chicken tissues: immunofluorescent and 14C amino acid incorporation studies.

Abstract Chicken tissues have been studied with immunofluorescent techniques to establish the distribution and relative numbers of cells stained specifically with anti-α, -µ, and -γ antisera. In the gut, IgA predominated; most numbers of IgA cells were found in the duodenum, and less further down the intestinal tract. The cecal tonsil contained mostly IgG, followed by IgM cells. Only a few IgA cells were seen in the cecal tonsil. The spleen showed a similar distribution of immunoglobulins. No positive cells were seen in either crop or Peyer's patches. 14C-labeled amino acid incorporation into IgA, IgM, and IgG was also studied by in vitro organ culture techniques and radioimmunoelectrophoresis. These results confirmed the immunofluorescent studies. The thymus showed labeling of IgG but not IgA. Bursa incorporated label into IgG and IgM only. The Harderian gland, an exocrine gland of unknown function in the orbit, showed synthesis primarily of IgG and IgM.