The role of primary lymphoid organs of chickens in the elimination of 51Cr-labelled erythrocytes.

F1 chicken hybrids of the inbred lines CC and IC were given injections of erythrocytes from CB line chickens (differing at alloantigens of the major histocompatibility system B) or IA line chickens (differing at the A blood group system alloantigens). Injected erythrocytes were labelled with 51Cr and their gradual elimination from the recipient's circulation was checked. Surgical bursectomy was performed at the end of embryogenesis and thymectomy immediately after hatching. Bursectomy prolonged the survival of B- and A-incompatible erythrocytes. Thymectomy prolonged the survival of A-incompatible erythrocytes and had no effect on the elimination of erythrocytes possessing B antigens.