title: Genetic and nongenetic influences on the ABH and Lea antigen levels of saliva and milk.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D000017:ABO Blood-Group System; D007983:Lewis Blood Group Antigens