[Analysis of erythrocytic carrier molecules (glycosphingolipids) with ABO and Le specificity]

Membrane structures (stroma) were obtained from erythrocytes of various ABO and Le blood groups using a butanol/phosphate buffer extraction. The extracts were separated using thin layer chromatography and the ABO and Le antigens demonstrated directly on the chromatogram using the PAP-technique. Detection was carried out using either Ulex europaeus lectin or monoclonal antibodies. By this method the direct staining of the bands allowed a specific demonstration of the ABH and Leactive glycosphingolipids. A determination of the number of sugar residues is possible as well as the recognition of quantitative variants.