Time of appearance of cellular antigens on chicken RBC.

At least twelve genetically distinct systems of RBC membrane alloantigens have thus far been detected in the chicken. Earlier studies have indicated that some of these are 'latent' in that the full development of surface antigen appears only gradually during ontogeny. The present experiments show that the alloantigens B2, B19, E1 and I2 are among those which develop more slowly in the RBC plasma membrane system. These might be utilized as indicators of the state of membrane differentiation during various experimental treatments or disease states.