Occurrence of cytotoxic antilymphocyte antibodies in sheep

An earlier report that there is a high incidence (50 to 60 per cent) of cytotoxic antilymphocyte antibody in the sera of parous ewes is confirmed. This antibody is directed against paternally inherited antigens of the fetus. Antibody could be detected pre partum in four out of 34 primiparous ewes. However, there was no strong association between parity and the incidence of antibody. Antibody was also found in three out of 10 older rams which implies that pregnancy is not the only stimulus for antibody production.