Characteristics of heterologous anti lizard (Calotes versicolor) thymocyte serum which identify the functions of thymus-derived cell lineage

Abstract

In an attempt to study the functions of thymus derived cell lineage, two different heterologous anti-lizard thymocyte sera (ATS i.v. & ATS i.p) were raised by immunizing rabbits with viable thymocytes of Calotes versicolor. Cytotoxicity assay, nylon wool fractionation and thymectomy were employed to assess the effect of these ATS on lymphoid cells of the lizards. The results revealed that ATS i.v. contained minimum amount of irrelevant antibodies than ATS i.p; non-adherent splenocytes were enriched with ATS sensitive cells, whereas the adherent with SIg⁺; adult thymectomy decreased ATS sensitive cells in spleens and the density of thymic antigen (identified by the ATS) in splenic thymus derived cell lineage was much higher than on thymocytes themselves. The cells of thymic lineage identified by the ATS thus resemble those of higher vertebrates.