Distribution of 19S and 7S IgM Antibodies during the Immune Response in the Nurse Shark

Abstract

19S and 7S IgM nurse shark antibodies were purified by immunoadsorption specific for the 2,4-dinitrophenyl haptenic group. Purification of antibodies from bleedings at various times after immunization revealed that the two forms were present in varying proportions dependent on the time elapsed after the administration of antigen. Late bleedings showed elevated levels of 19S IgM, suggesting a final enrichment for the more efficient antibody molecule.