Related Experiment Videos
[Development of antigens ABH and Ii in children between 0 to 16 years old]
Insights
Erythrocyte antigen development in children shows A, B, and H activities stabilize by 24 months. Cord red cells display distinct I and i antigen patterns, influenced by fetal hemoglobin levels.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Context:
- Erythrocyte antigens play a crucial role in blood transfusion compatibility and disease diagnostics.
- Understanding the developmental trajectory of these antigens is vital for accurate clinical interpretation.
- Previous studies have focused on adult populations, with limited data on early childhood development.
Purpose:
- To investigate the developmental changes in ABH and I/i erythrocyte antigen expression in children from birth to 16 years.
- To establish the timeline for the maturation of these antigens using semi-quantitative assays.
- To explore the influence of different anti-H lectins and fetal hemoglobin on antigen expression.
Summary:
- Semi-quantitative assays tracked ABH and I/i erythrocyte antigens in 926 children (birth to 16 years).
- Full expression of A, B, and H antigens is achieved between 13-24 months, with significant changes in the first three months of life.
- Reactivity of anti-H lectins from Ulex europaeus and Laburnum alpinum showed variations. A decrease in i and increase in I reactivity occurred simultaneously. Increased H activity correlated with decreased fetal hemoglobin.
Impact:
- Provides a developmental reference for erythrocyte antigen expression in children.
- Highlights potential discrepancies in antigen testing based on lectin choice.
- Offers insights into the relationship between erythropoiesis, fetal hemoglobin clearance, and antigen development.
Abstract:
The ABH and I, i erythrocyte antigens of 926 children from birth to sixteen years were tested in a semi-quantitative assay in order to follow their development. Results show that total activities of A, B and H erythrocyte antigens are reached within 13 and 24 months, the main modifications being observed within the first three months of life. However, these activities depend on the agglutinins used in the test; notably the results with anti-H lectins from Ulex europaeus and Laburnum alpinum are not totally identical. The decrease of i reactivity and the increase of I reactivity are simultaneous, but at birth the I reactivity of cord red cells is widely distributed, while that of i is more homogeneous. The increase in H activity tested with Laburnum alpinum is directly related to the decrease of foetal hemoglobin in the children's red cells.