Evaluation of B-lymphocyte levels and functions in gnotobiotic dogs.

Quantitative and qualitative aspects of B-lymphocyte functions in gnotobiotic dogs and conventional dogs were determined. Using 3 different methods to identify B-cells by surface markers and 3 different methods to measure immunoglobulins (eg, serum electorphoresis, immunoelectrophoresis, and radial immunodiffusion), it was determined that gnotobiotic dogs were B-cell deficient. Related studies, however, indicate that the capacity to develop humoral immune responses was unimpaired. It is presumed that lack of immunogenic stimulation within the gnotobiotic isolation units accounts for this observation.