The Presence of Two Antigenically Distinct Light Chains (κ and γ?) in Alligator Immunoglobulins 1

Summary

Alligators have been shown to possess two antigenically distinct L-chain types which are probably under the control of independently segregating genes perhaps comparable to κ and γ in man. The relevance of these findings with respect to the evolution of L-chain types was briefly discussed.

The authors thank Drs. P. A. Small and G. A. Leslie for their helpful advice during numerous discussions of this work. Technical assistance was rendered by Mr. Edsel McLean. The authors also thank the Florida Game and Fresh-water Commission for providing the alligators. A special thanks is also given to Ross Allen and Andrew Koukoulis for their assistance and maintenance of the animals.