Expression of red cell surface antigens during erythropoiesis.
OBJECTIVE
We have analysed the appearance and disappearance of cell surface markers during erythropoiesis, in vitro.


METHODS
CD34+ haemopoietic progenitor cells were isolated from umbilical cord blood and cultured by three different methods, all in the presence of erythropoietin. The methods included two one-stage techniques, one serum-free, the other with serum present, and one serum-present two-stage method.


RESULTS
The appearance of cell surface markers on the differentiating erythroid cells varied slightly from sample to sample, but differed more substantially between techniques, with the cells differentiating more rapidly in the culture media containing serum. The order of appearance of the markers, which was constant in the three methods, was as follows: glycophorin C, Kell, Rh-associated glycoprotein, glycophorin A, band 3, Rh proteins, and glycophorin B.


CONCLUSIONS
Cell surface antigens can be used as markers for mapping the progress of erythroid differentiation during erythropoiesis.
Bristol Institute for Transfusion Sciences, UK. geoff.daniels@nbs.nhs.uk
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Daniels
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Green
D018952:Antigens, CD34; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000187:drug effects; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D003470:Culture Media / Q000494:pharmacology; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D015672:Erythroid Precursor Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects; D004920:Erythropoiesis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology*; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D013997:Time Factors
D018952:Antigens, CD34; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D003470:Culture Media