Le(a) and Le(b) tissue glycosphingolipids.
BACKGROUND
The Le(a) and Le(b) antigens are synthesized by cells making exocrine secretions, but it is not well-defined where plasma and red cell Le(a) and Le(b) antigens are made.


METHODS
This study uses chromatographic and immunochemical methods to extract Le(a) and Le(b) glycolipids from human tissues.


RESULTS
Le(a) and Le(b) antigens may be synthesized by both epithelial and mesodermal tissues. Expression of Lewis transferase activity was demonstrated in various tissues, confirming the epistatic interaction by Le and H genes to form the Leb antigen.


CONCLUSIONS
The Le(a) and Le(b) substances found in plasma might originate from the epithelial cells of the digestive tract.
Hauser
R
R
Department of Forensic Medicine, Gdansk Medical School, Poland.
D004848:Epithelium / Q000378:metabolism; D006028:Glycosphingolipids / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007983:Lewis Blood Group Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D008648:Mesoderm / Q000378:metabolism; D009928:Organ Specificity
D006028:Glycosphingolipids; D007983:Lewis Blood Group Antigens