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October 15,2019 LECTURE: General Character of ABO Antigens
October 15,2019 LECTURE: General Character of ABO Antigens
October 15,2019 LECTURE: General Character of ABO Antigens
HISTORY
• 1900 - Karl Landsteiner discovered the ABO Blood group system of antigens
• He classified an individuals erythrocytes into 4 types:
A, B, AB, & O
• Only 2 antigens ( A & B ) were needed to explain the 4 blood groups
• The blood groups are named for the antigens on the surface of the red cells
• Ex. ( Group A individuals have the “A” antigen )
ABO antigens are widely distributed & are located on red cells, lymphocytes(adsorbed from
plasma), platelets(adsorbed from plasma), most epithelial and endothelial cells, and
organs such as the kidneys.
Soluble forms of the ABO blood groups sys. antigens can also be synthesized and secreted by
tissue cells. As a result, these antigens are found in association with cellular membranes
and as soluble forms.
Soluble antigens are detected in secretions and all body fluids except CSF.
• ABO antigens which are intrinsic to the red cell memberane, exist as either glycollipid or
glycoprotein molecules, whereas the soluble forms are primarily glycoproteins
• Are detectable at 5 to 6 weeks in utero
• Newborns possess fewer antigen copies per red cell compared with adults
• The specificity of A and B antigen is defines by immunodominant sugars:
• N-acetylgalactosamine (A antigen)
• D-galactose (B antigen)
Landsteiner’s Law
• In normally healthy adults & in children above the age of 3-6 months, the serum always
contain anti-A if the RBC lack A antigen, and it contains anti-B if the RBC lack the B antigen.
• Interaction between Antigen and antibody leads to agglutination
• The antigen is called agglutinogen
• The antibody is called agglutinin
*base sa marieb too! Table 10.3 P. 377*
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
• Gene-ultimate unit of heredity found in chromosomes
• Chromosomes - exist in pairs, genes tend to occupy certain positions in chromosomes
• Gene that occupies the same site in the partner chromosome is called allelomorphic gene or
allele
• If 2 genes are the same, they are homozygous
• If different, they are heterozygous
• One character of gene = has the ability to manifest their presence. The offspring takes in
characterisitic from either parent.
• Genotype - the sum total of genetic characteristics in an individual only detected through
family studies or molecular tests (DNA-based assays)
• Phenotype - genetic characteristics of an individual which are immediately manifested and
detected by serologic testing/ blood typing (hemagglutination)
BLOOD GROUPING
• 1. Cell Grouping / Forward Typing or Direct Blood Grouping
• Can be done on a slide or in a test tube at room temperature
• Done by mixing unknown RBC with known typing sera
• Use of commercial reagents, Anti-A (Blue) & anti-B (yellow)
• Ingredients are mixed in a slide with applicator stick and then tilted back and forth &
observed over a 2 minute period for agglutination
• Longer periods of incubation should be avoided because the effects of drying may be
interpreted as agglutination. (Pseudoagglutination)
• 2. Serum Testing / Reverse Testing
• Patient’s serum is tested with suspensions of known group A & B cells
• Done to crosscheck the result of forward typing
• To test the reactivity of anti-A and anti-B typing reagents
Practical Significance of the ABO Blood Group:
• 1. BLOOD TRANSFUSION - to provide maximum benefit to the recepient
• Indications for Transfusion:
• Most common reason is decrease in blood volume
• Often used for treating anemia or to supply recepient with some other constituent of
whole blood besides red cells.
• Transfusion reaction - manifested by fever, chills, nausea, vomitting and general toxicity
• Most lethal effect - acute renal failure