Abstract
SummaryImmunization of the marsupial Setonix brachyurus (the quokka) with ovalbumin and the dinitrophenyl hapten, in conjunction with either alumina gel or Freund's complete adjuvant, induced the synthesis of low levels of homocytotropic antibody (HCA). This antibody elicited passive cutaneous anaphylactic (PCA) reactions of maximal intensity after latent periods of 48 to 72 hours and persisted at passively sensitized skin sites for at least 10 days. The HCA activity in quokka antisera was labile both to heating at 56° and to reduction with 2‐mercaptoethanol. The biological characteristics of the quokka HCA were therefore closely comparable to those of the reaginic (IgE) antibodies of eutherian (placental) species. Because of this similarity, it is suggested that the immediate hypersensitivity system was developed prior to the evolutionary divergence of these two groups.
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