The use of monoclonal antibodies UCH beta and UCH gamma for the antenatal diagnosis of beta-thalassaemia.
Monoclonal antibodies for the beta-globin chain of human HbA (UCH beta) and the gamma-globin chain of human HbF (UCH gamma) have been made. UCH beta indirectly labelled with rhodamine-labelled goat anti-mouse Ig and directly flouresceinated UCH gamma have been used, via double labelling immunofluorescence microscopy, to assay for the presence of beta-chains in fetal erythrocytes obtained at fetoscopy from fetuses at risk for beta-thalassaemia major. The results from 111 cases demonstrate that beta-chain synthesis of as low as 1.8% can be detected in fetal erythrocytes. The immunochemical labelling can be rendered more sensitive by the use of biotinylated UCH beta and avidin-FITC conjugates. This method is rapid and can be used for a sample that is highly contaminated with maternal erythrocytes.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005319:Fetal Hemoglobin / Q000276:immunology; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006441:Hemoglobin A / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D013789:Thalassemia / Q000175:diagnosis*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D006441:Hemoglobin A; D005319:Fetal Hemoglobin