Evidence of platelet complement-fixing and lymphocytotoxic anti-A-1 antibodies.

3 human antisera exhibiting non HL-A specific antibody were studied in micro-complement fixation with platelets and micro-lymphocytotoxicity. Screening studies as well as absorption and elution studies with platelets, lymphocytes and erythrocytes revealed an antibody activity associated with blood group A-1. Within blood group A-1, a subpopulation of A-1 donor cells- provisionally called "weak A-1" - was defined, which had a minor ability for complement-fixing and lymphocytotoxic A-1-antibody absorption. Contrary to HL-A specific antibodies, acid eluates from platelets of these 3 sera were always negative whereas heat and ether eluates gave positive results. From neutralization studies and studies on the hemolytic activity against A-1 erythrocytes it was concluded, that the A-1-specific antibodies probably are immune antibodies belonging to the IgG class of immunoglobulins.