A, B and H antigens in normal urothelium: an immunohistochemical study using monoclonal antibodies with the avidin-biotin complex technique.

Immunohistochemical staining for the A, B and H blood group antigens was studied in 61 normal human ureters using monoclonal antibodies with avidin-biotin complex application. Thirty-seven of these were archival material, and 24 were processed prospectively. In 100 per cent of the prospectively processed ureters, A, B and H antigens were demonstrated corresponding to the blood type of the source. Archival material stained for A, B and H 65 per cent, 50 per cent and 100 per cent of the time, respectively. Serial sampling of prospectively processed ureters showed diminution of staining with prolongation of immersion in formalin. A characteristic staining pattern was found in ureters from patients with type B blood.