The first example of a paraben-dependent antibody to an Rh protein.
BACKGROUND
Parabens are added to a commercial LISS (C-LISS) to retard microbial growth. Paraben-dependent anti-Jk(a) has been detected by the use of C-LISS.


METHODS
Serum from a D+ woman reacted in antiglobulin tests with RBCs stored (2-4 hours, 22-25 degrees C) in C-LISS (Löw and Messeter formulation, Immucor). Freshly prepared C-LISS-suspended RBCs did not react; nor did RBCs stored in LISS-additive reagents, PEG, saline, or homemade LISS.


RESULTS
Studies using C-LISS-stored RBCs revealed an antibody that reacted with D+ and rrV+ RBCs, but not with r'r, r"r, or rrV-VS- RBCs. All partial D RBC phenotypes tested reacted, as did D+LW-, rGr, r"Gr, r(y)r, r'(s)rV+VS+, and r'(s)rV-VS+ RBCs. The active ingredient in C-LISS was propylparaben. Other LISS ingredients were not required; saline solutions of propylparaben, ethylparaben, methyl salicylate, 2-phenoxyethanol, and butylparaben were active. Methylparaben and methyl-m-hydroxybenzoate were inactive. Reactivity to C-LISS-stored RBCs could not be inhibited by propylparaben. Reactivity with D+V- and D-V+VS+ RBCs was not separable by adsorption-elution.


CONCLUSIONS
This antibody likely detects a neoantigen formed between active compounds and RBC membranes. Review of the structure of active compounds suggests that proximity between methyl and hydroxyl groups is important for binding with RBC membranes. The role of RhD is unclear; no single portion of RhD protein appears to be implicated.
Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. johnjudd@umich.edu
W J
WJ
Judd
J R
JR
Storry
T D
TD
Annesley
M E
ME
Reid
M
M
Bensette
S
S
Waddington
L
L
Dake
D
D
Rohrkemper
R
R
Valdez
D000328:Adult; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007518:Isoantibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D007667:Kidd Blood-Group System / Q000276:immunology*; D010226:Parabens / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D011247:Pregnancy; D018029:Rho(D) Immune Globulin / Q000276:immunology*
D007518:Isoantibodies; D007667:Kidd Blood-Group System; D010226:Parabens; D018029:Rho(D) Immune Globulin; C006068:propylparaben