Genetic and nongenetic influences on the ABH and Lea antigen levels of saliva and milk.
The saliva and milk of 250 parturient women were studied in relation to ABH antigen levels; part of the sample was also investigated for the Lewis (Lea) substance. The levels of A and B are higher in saliva, and those of H and Lea higher in milk. The H average salivary titers presented the relationship O greater than A2 greater than A1 greater than B greater than AB, but these differences were not present in milk. In addition, the salivary levels of A and B are similar in individuals of these groups but B greater than A in AB persons, and A1 greater than A2; while in milk A greater than B in A, B and AB subjects, and A1 approximately equal to A2. The amount of Lea substance depends of the ABH secretor status in both secretions; but independently of this difference, the average titers were always higher in milk. Correlation coefficients between the levels observed in the two secretions are statistically significant for the A substance in A persons (0.46), H in B (0.58) and Lea in all subjects tested (0.47). A stepwise multiple regression analysis performed to verify the influence of four genetic and six nongenetic variables in the ABH levels of both fluids indicated only one consistent modifying factor: ABO type.
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007983:Lewis Blood Group Antigens; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012463:Saliva / Q000276:immunology*
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System; D007983:Lewis Blood Group Antigens