Quantitation of antibody uptake on A group erythrocytes using immunoautoradiography and monoclonal IgM anti-A.

The number of antibody molecules on individual erythrocytes was counted in A1, A2, A3 B and A group individuals using immunoautoradiography (IAR) and monoclonal IgM anti-A1. Quantitation was also done for A group pregnant women. The number of antibody molecules on different red cells of an individual varied widely. Gross variations were also noted in cells of different individuals from one and the same group. The mean values of the uptake of the number of antibody molecules showed the following range A1 greater than A2 greater than Ax greater than A3B. When compared to the average for total A1 adults, red cells of pregnant women and newborn infants showed a 10.7% and 19.7% reduction respectively, in antibody uptake. The mean number of antibody molecules per A1 adult red cells was 5.6 +/- 3 X 10(4), while A2 had 0.85 +/- 0.35 X 10(4) molecules, thus showing a significant quantitative variation.