Immunoglobulin synthesis and antibody content in the small intestine of the rabbit

The concentration of immunoglobulin and specific antibody in the serum and the intestinal fluid and the rate of synthesis of immunoglobulin in the small intestine was measured in normal and immunized rabbits. IgA was found to be the predominant immunoglobulin in the intestinal fluid. IgA and IgG were secreted at rates of 4-3 mug/cm/hr and 1-3 mug/cm/hr respectively. Specific anti-Vibrio cholerae antibodies in the intestine were found mainly in the IgA class after oral immunization.