Immunochemical Identification and Genetics of Rabbit γ-Globulin Allotypes

Summary Agar gel methods for identification of 10 allotypic specificities are presented. These allotypic specificities were shown to be associated with 7 S γ-globulins. Progeny tests show that allotypic specificities A1, A2 and A3 are determined by three allelic genes at one locus, a; that A4 and A5 are determined by two allelic genes at a second locus, b. Allotypic specificities A4′ and A5′ are determined by the same pair of alleles which determine A4 and A5 or alternatively by a closely linked pair of alleles. Neither the a or b loci are associated with sex. The allotypic specificity P appears to be determined by a gene at a third locus. Allotypic specificity T was identified, but its genetic control has not yet been investigated. The gene frequencies of allotypic specificities in colonies of rabbits at the Roscoe B. Jackson Memorial Laboratory and at the N.I.H. are presented.