Glycolipid- and glycoprotein-based blood group A antigen expression in human thrombocytes. A1/A2 difference

Total non-acid glycolipid fractions and total sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS) solubilized protein fractions were isolated from human thrombocytes obtained from single human donors having different blood group A1/A2 phenotypes. The blood group A glycolipid antigens were characterized by immunostaining of thin layer plates with different monoclonal anti-A antibodies. The glycoproteins carrying blood group A epitopes were identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis using a monoclonal anti-A antibody. Blood group A glycolipid antigens were found in both A1 and A2 thrombocytes but the A2 individuals expressed at least ten times less A glycolipids compared to the A1 individuals. Expression of A type 3/4 chain and small amounts of A type 1 chain glycolipids were seen in thrombocytes of both A1 and A2 individuals, while the type 2 chain A glycolipids appeared to be missing from the A2 thrombocytes. Blood group A reactive glycoproteins were only found in thrombocytes of A1 individuals and could not be detected in A2 individuals or a blood group O individual. The major blood group A glycoprotein were found as a double band migrating in the 130 kDa region.