A genetic influence on the appearance of specific antibody in serum and secretions following challenge with antigen.

The concentration of specific antibody in the tear secretion following subconjunctival inoculation with Keyhole Limpet haemocyanin was influenced by genotype. Cattle of the Bos indicus type responded more strongly to subconjunctival inoculation than did Bos taurus animals. The regression analysis of the concentration of specific antibody in tears on the concentration of specific antibody in the serum suggested a quantitative difference in the transfer of specific antibody from the serum to tears. The concentration of specific antibody in serum was different in Bos indicus and Bos taurus animals. The relative position of this difference was influenced by the route of inoculation used.