Isolation of turkey immunoglobulin-A.

Trukey biliary and gut IgA were isolated and monospecific antisera were prepared in rabbits. Isolation was accomplished by filtration of precipitated globulins on Sephadex G-200 followed by step-wise-elution DEAE ion-exchange chromatography. Using an immunodiffusion procedure, IgA was detected in turkey serum, saliva, lacrimal secretions, bile, gut washings, and tracheal washings. No IgA was detected in hatching-poult serum, egg white, or yolk. Two forms of IgA (high and low molecular weight) were detected in different body fluids.