Presence of T-antigen on the vascular endothelium.
Bacterial neuraminidase plays an important role in the pathogenesis of some haemolytic anaemias. It divides neuraminic acid from the red cell surface to expose a hidden antigen (Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen, T). A physiologically circulating antibody can then react with the uncovered T and cause a rapid haemolysis. This study demonstrates the presence of T on human vascular endothelium. Similar to red cells it is exposed by the action of bacterial neuraminidase. The subsequent reaction with the physiological antibody could be involved in the pathogenesis of vascular damage observed in severe cases of bacterial septicaemia.
Böck
M
M
Transfusion-Centre (Department of Medicine III), Klinikum Grosshadern, University of Munich, FRG.
Oettrich
K
K
Kratzer
M
M
Heim
M U
MU
Bilas
A
A
Mempel
W
W
D000818:Animals; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D006801:Humans; D007519:Isoantigens / Q000032:analysis*; D014312:Trisaccharides / Q000032:analysis*; D014471:Umbilical Veins / Q000276:immunology
D007519:Isoantigens; C064068:Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen, cryptic; D014312:Trisaccharides