Gene dosage and antigenic expression on the cell surface of bovine erythrocytes

Electron microscopic and serological techniques have been used to study the relationship between cell surface expression of bovine erythrocyte antigens and the genes coding for these antigens. Using cells which are genetically and serologically defined for their zygosity with respect to the Z allele, it was found that homozygous (Z/Z) cells have approximately twice as much surface Z antigen as heterozygous (Z/-) cells. Cells labeled for the J antigen, a soluble serum substance which secondarily adsorbs to the erythrocyte surface, display a quantity of antigen which is directly related to the J titer of the cells. A new antigen is described which is independent of the J antigen, and which is detectable by EM labeling and by indirect agglutination, but not by hemolysis.