The immunoglobulins of the turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). Isolation and characterization of IgG, IgM and IgA in body fluids, eggs and intraocular tissues.

The distribution of the immunoglobulins IgG, IgM, and IgA in turkey serum, bile, egg white, egg yolk, intestinal secretions, and some intraocular tissues has been studied. Just as in the chicken and the pigeon, IgG is the most abundant immunoglobulin in the serum and IgA in egg white, intestinal secretions and bile. In addition, IgM was detected in serum and egg white, and IgG in egg yolk, iris, vitreous body, and aqueous humor. The discussion deals with the importance of using purified immunoglobulin fractions and heavy-chain-specific antisera in disease studies in the turkey, specially in the case of infectious diseases which lead to the occurrence of "rheumatoid factors".