Effects of Antigenic Dissimilarity between Mother and Foetus on Placental Size in Mice

Abstract

THE mammalian foetus must differ antigenically from its mother, in normal circumstances, the exception being in highly inbred strains. Consequently, except in matings between inbred mammals, the foetus and the foetal part of the placenta may be regarded as a homograft, and a homograft reaction against the foreign antigens might be expected. However, the antigenically different foetus and placenta are maintained in the uterus throughout pregnancy without eliciting any apparent rejection reaction, although the immunological competence of the mother must be significant during gestation.