Abstract
The number and localization of cells secreting natural antibodies against sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) or rabbit erythrocytes (RRBC) were assessed in adult and newly-hatched striped snakes ( Elaphe quadrivirgata) by a localized hemolysis in gel technique. In adult snakes, antibody-secreting cells, i.e. plaque-forming cells (PFC), were detected in the spleen, peripheral blood and thymus but not in the liver. The number of PFC showed great individual variations. The mean number of PFC against SRBC in the spleen, blood or thymus was about twice as much as that against RRBC. In newly-hatched snakes, PFC to both erythrocytes were detected predominantly in the liver, but scarcely in the spleen or thymus. The level of natural hemolysin in the serum and that of PFC in the liver against RRBC was higher than against SRBC. PFC to SRBC were distinct from those to RRBC. These studies are important for understanding both the ontogeny and phylogeny of natural antibodies.
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