Comparative Immunology. Antibody Response in Dipsosaurus dorsalis at Different Temperatures.

Abstract

SummaryThe antibody response of the reptile, Dipsosaurus dorsalis, to typhoid vaccine was compared at constant ambient temperatures of 25°, 35° and 40°. Antibody response was poor or non-existent at 25°, good at 35° and moderately good at 40°. Variations in titer were noted among different individuals within a group. When animals immunized at 35° were transferred to 25°, antibody response was inhibited; in the reverse situation, the response was enhanced. Data obtained during this investigation have shown that a member of the phylogenetic class Reptilia can synthesize agglutinating antibodies and that the process can be regulated by varying the ambient temperature.