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Le a and Le b tissue glycosphingolipids
Author(s) -
Hauser R.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
transfusion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.045
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1537-2995
pISSN - 0041-1132
DOI - 10.1046/j.1537-2995.1995.35795357880.x
Subject(s) - glycolipid , antigen , microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , biology , biochemistry , immunology
BACKGROUND: The Le a and Le b antigens are synthesized by cells making exocrine secretions, but it is not well‐defined where plasma and red cell Le(a) and Le(b) antigens are made. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study uses chromatographic and immunochemical methods to extract Le a and Le b glycolipids from human tissues. RESULTS: Le a and Le b antigens may be synthesized by both epithelial and mesodermal tissues. Expression of Lewis transferase activity was demonstrated in various tissues, confirming the epistatic interaction by Le and H genes to form the Leb antigen. CONCLUSION: The Le a and Le b substances found in plasma might originate from the epithelial cells of the digestive tract.