Quantitative variations in A, B, Ht1 and Ht2 antigens on erythrocytes in leukemia and lymphoma

Using an immunoradiometric assay, A, B, Ht1 and Ht2 antigens on erythrocyte membranes were quantitated in 192 leukemia and 23 lymphoma patients. A and B antigens were reduced in 37% and 50% of leukemia cases respectively. A wide range of antigenic reduction was observed for A antigen, while B antigenic reduction was generally 16-20%. Passive absorption of Ht1 antigen from plasma onto erythrocytes was greater in leukemic compared to normal subjects. Among patients with reduced A and B antigens, 27% had increased and 37% decreased Ht2 antigens. Incidence of reduction in antigens was significantly higher (p less than 0.001) in untreated compared to treated patients.