Differential tissue expression of the Lewis blood group antigens: enzymatic, immunohistologic, and immunochemical evidence for Lewis a and b antigen expression in Le(a-b-) individuals.

摘要: The Lewis blood group system comprises two main carbohydrate antigens, Le(a) and Le(b). typing has traditionally been based on serologic determinations using erythrocytes saliva. Several recent studies have demonstrated that erythrocyte phenotype may change during pregnancy or disease, inappropriate antigens found in both normal neoplastic tissue. To evaluate whether these observations are conflict with the presently proposed genetic biosynthetic basis of system, we performed a combined enzymatic, immunohistologic, immunochemical study antigen expression tissues, as well erythrocytes, plasma, saliva Le(a-b-)-typed individuals. Of six cancer-bearing patients typed Le(a-b-), three were identified nongenuine owing to presence alpha 1----4fucosyltransferase activity (alpha 1----4FT) genuine (lacking 1----4FT saliva). These Le(a-b-) individuals shown express significant detected tissues by immunohistology immunochemistry. We conclude obtained determination does not apply all tissues. discuss consequences this finding.