The study of the antigenic properties of tissues and organs of animals in ontogenesis
SummaryThe antigenic properties of the tissue of developing crystalline lens of ducks was studied with the aid of anaphylactic reaction with desensitization.Morphogenesis, the rate of growth of crystalline lens and content of ribonucleic acid (RNA) in it were investigated simultaneously. It was demonstrated that during the early stages of embryogenesis (90–130 hours) the antigens are present in the tissue of developing crystalline lens, which are specific only for the definite stage of development (stage-specific antigens). There is formation and intensive growth of the primary fibers of the crystalline lens and increased concentration of the RNA during this period.
Detection of Fœtal and Sickle-cell Hæmoglobins in Human Anæmias
WE have systematically examined a large number (175) of normal and anæmic bloods for the presence of fœtal hæmoglobin (F-Hb)1 by three methods: (a) the position of the tryptophan fine-structure band2, using the moving-plate method of Holiday3, from which the relative proportions of adult (A-Hb)1 and fœtal hæmoglobin can be estimated4 when more than 10 per cent of the latter is present, though smaller proportions cannot be detected; (b) the Rich ‘slope’ method5, using the Unicam SP.500 spectrophotometer, which has the same order of sensitivity; (c) the rate of alkaline denaturation at pH 12.8, which provides a sensitive means of detecting the more alkaline-resistant fœtal hæmoglobin6.
Studies on the Hemoglobin of Cooley's Anemia and Cooley's Trait.
The diseases sickle cell anemia and Cooley's anemia (also known as thalassemia or Mediterranean anemia) have associated with them "minor" or "trait" forms of the disease in which the symptomatology is minimal, and the abnormalities in the red cells are correspondingly less. Extensive genetic studies carried out on these diseases [1-4] have led to the conclusion that in each case the trait is inherited as a Mendalian dominant, the person being heterozygous in the sickle cell gene or Cooley's gene. Homozygosity in either of these genes leads to the corresponding anemia. 
 
Our understanding of sickle cell anemia has improved considerably with the discovery of an abnormal hemoglobin and a molecular interpretation of the pathological behavior of the red cell. [5] In that disease it was possible to demonstrate heterozygosity and homozygosity directly, by observing varying amounts of the abnormal hemoglobin. 
 
Liquori [6] has recently reported the pr'esence of fetal hemoglobin in cases of Cooley's anemia. We have carried out a number of experiments which support his findings, and have extended the investigation to include cases of Cooley's trait, for which no fetal hemoglobin was found. A hypothesis is advanced to explain these facts.