Antibody production in chickens thymectomized as embryos and pigeons thymectomized at hatching.

Abstract

Studies of the influence of thymectomy 2–3 days prior to hatching in chickens and of thymectomy at hatching in pigeons on antibody formation to sheep red blood cells and BSA have been carried out. Although in prior studies complete or incomplete thymectomy at hatching in chickens failed to influence antibody-forming capacity or the development of antibody-forming cells, thymectomy 2–3 days prior to hatching in chickens significantly depressed development of antibody-forming cells and the production of antibodies. Similarly, thymectomy at hatching in pigeons whose lymphoid system is less mature than that of chickens also depresses antibody-forming cells and antibody responses in the primary but not the secondary response in this species.