CROSS-REACTIVITY OF ANTIBODIES TO HUMAN-ANTIGENS WITH TISSUES OF THE BOTTLE-NOSED-DOLPHIN, TURSIOPS-TRUNCATUS, USING IMMUNOPEROXIDASE TECHNIQUES

Cross-species reactivity of 53 antibodies developed against human anti gens was evaluated in the bottlenose dolphin Tursiop truncatus, using immunoperoxidase techniques. Strong cross-reactivity was demonstrated with antibodies against intermediate filaments, most hormones, but few leukocyte antigens. S100, NSE, F8RA, Factor XIIIa, and lactalbumin an tibodies reacted, while HMB45, EMA, PLAP, and PSA did not. Polyclonal antibodies are much more likely to cross-react than are monoclonal ant ibodies. Twenty-four of 30 (80%) of polyclonals cross-reacted, while o nly 10 of 23 (43.5%) monoclonals cross-reacted. Some antigens are demo nstrated only after using a special technique to unmask the antigen.