F-cells in the adult: normal values and levels in individuals with hereditary and acquired elevations of Hb F.
Specific antibodies to human fetal hemoglobin were prepared and, after conjugation with a fluorescent dye, were used to determine the distribution of Hb F-containing cells in blood smears from normal adults and individuals with hereditary and acquired conditions associated with abnormal levels of Hb F. The mean proportion of F-cells in normal persons was 2.7% +/- 1.4%, with a range of 0.5%-7.0%. Proportions of F-cells were increased in persons with several acquired and inherited disorders that are associated with an increased percentage of Hb F in hemolysates. A strong linear correlation between the amount of Hb F and proportion of F-cells was observed. This technique may prove useful in studies of a variety of disorders associated with Hb F elevations and also in investigations of the mechanisms controlling the transition from fetal to adult hemoglobin during the course of human development.
D000328:Adult; D000741:Anemia, Aplastic / Q000097:blood; D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000097:blood; D000906:Antibodies; D005319:Fetal Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006453:Hemoglobinopathies / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D013789:Thalassemia / Q000097:blood
D000906:Antibodies; D005319:Fetal Hemoglobin