[The erythrocyte phenotype Rh: 32,-46: transfusional and obstetric importance]

The red blood cells and sera from 21 RN/RN individuals were studied. The study confirmed the Rh type D+C+E-c-e+, CW-, characterized by an increased expression of the D antigen, a markedly decreased expression of the C and e antigens, the presence of a low incidence antigen (Rh32) and the absence of a high incidence antigen (Rh46) associated with an epitope recognized by a murine monoclonal antibody (MR 432). Four individuals exposed to Rh46 cells by pregnancy and/or transfusion had an anti-Rh46 antibody. This antibody gave positive reactions with all red blood cells of common and rare Rh phenotype except Rh null, D--, D.., DC(W-) and RN/RN cells. This antibody is considered to be of clinical significance in case of transfusion or pregnancy.