[Polymorphic secretory antigens (WZ) of the human adult and fetal colon].

The present paper concerns further data about the WZ polymorphic antigens of the human colon. A population study conducted with the immunofluorescence technique on rectal biopsies from 150 subjects, confirmed the frequency of the three phenotypes : W+Z (0.65), W-Z+ (0;25), W-Z- (0.10). The same three phenotypes were observed with the immunofluorescence technique in the colon goblet cells of 20 foetuses ranging in ages from 20 to 36 weeks. In these foetuses a comparative study of the WZ and ABH antigens along the length of the gastrointestinal tract showed the same reverse distribution of the two kinds of antigens as previusly reported in the adult. The comparison of the inhibition activity of adult or foetal colon mucosa extracts in a radioimmunoassay test showed that the WZ antigens are similarly present in heated water, phenolalcohol, and perchloric acid extracts. The WZ antigens are present in the meconium.