title: HL-A antigens in mummified pre-Columbian tissues.
abstract: Tissue extracts of pre-Columbian mummies, from 500 to 2000 years old, were found to inhibit specific antibodies to HL-A. Two-thirds of the specimens tested gave positive results. Patterns of reactions obtained with different antiserums detecting the same antigen were concordant and consistent with known relations between HL-A antigens. The distribution of antigens found was similar to that observed in present-day descendants of the ancient populations studied. Although artifacts due to contaminating substances could have occurred, the reactions resembled in many respects those of HL-A antigens rather than those of nonspecific cross-reacting inhibitors. Development of a technique for HL-A typing of mummified remains may open new possibilities for anthropologic studies.
mesh_terms: D000885:Anthropology, Physical; D003429:Cross Reactions; D003601:Cytotoxicity Tests, Immunologic; D005828:Genetics, Population; D006649:Histocompatibility Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American; D007199:Indians, South American; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D008800:Mexico; D009106:Mummies; D010568:Peru; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology; D044465:White People
chemical_list: D006649:Histocompatibility Antigens