Distribution of H type 1-4 chains of the ABO(H) system in different cell types of human respiratory epithelium.
We used three anti-H monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for H Type 1, H Type 2, and H Type 3/4 antigens to investigate the distribution of H Type 1-H Type 4 chains of the ABO(H) histo-blood group in the human respiratory system. Strong staining of H Type 1 chain and weak staining of H Type 2 chain were observed in mucous cells of submucosal glands of bronchial epithelium, which were dependent on the secretor status. No H Type 3/4 chains were detected in mucous cells. Serous cells of submucosal glands of respiratory system showed no staining by three anti-H antibodies. H Type 1 and H Type 3/4 antigens were detected heterogeneously in apical surfaces of bronchial epithelium from secretors but not from nonsecretors. In contrast, basal cells of bronchial epithelium expressed H Type 2 irrespective of the secretor status, probably regulated by the H gene. Some alveolar Type II cells contained only H Types 3/4, which were dependent on the secretor status, whereas alveolar Type I cells had no H antigens. Our results indicated that different cell types in respiratory epithelium expressed different types of carbohydrate chains of histo-blood group antigens under the control of the H or the Se gene.
Fujitani
N
N
Department of Forensic Medicine and Human Genetics, Faculty of Science, Okayama University of Science, Okayama, Japan.
Liu
Y
Y
Okamura
T
T
Kimura
H
H
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001980:Bronchi / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D011650:Pulmonary Alveoli / Q000378:metabolism*
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal