Pattern of distribution of blood group antigens on human epidermal cells during maturation.
The distribution in human epidermis of A, B, and H blood group antigens and of a precursor carbohydrate chain, N-acetyl-lactosamine, was examined using immunofluorescence staining techniques. The material included tissue from 10 blood group A, 4 blood group B, and 9 blood group O persons. Murine monoclonal antibodies were used to identify H antigen (type 2 chain) and N-acetyl-lactosamine. Human antisera were used to identify A and B antigens. In all groups N-acetyl-lactosamine and H antigen were found on the cell membranes of the spinous cell layer. N-acetyl-lactosamine was present mainly on the lower spinous cells whereas H antigen was seen predominantly on upper spinous cells or on the granular cells. Epithelia from blood group A or B persons demonstrated A or B antigens, respectively, but only if the tissue sections were trypsinized before staining. In such cases A or B antigens were found on the cell membranes in the granular cell layer.
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System / Q000276:immunology*; D000606:Amino Sugars / Q000032:analysis; D000941:Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000276:immunology; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006801:Humans; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology*; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System; D000606:Amino Sugars; D000941:Antigens; C000458:N-acetyllactosamine