[Demonstration of the activity of a rhesus-positive antigen in the erythrocytes of rhesus-negative donors and an increase in the expression of ABO system antigens after ultraviolet irradiation of the blood].

UV irradiation (254 nm) in doses increasing erythrocyte (Er) hemolysis by 5 to 32% was found to stimulate the agglutination activity of ABO and Rhesus (Rh) system antigens. The stimulation effect was the higher the lower the antigen activity before irradiation. In the Rh-negative (Rh-)-Er, irradiation induced the Rh0(D)-like antigen specific activity suggesting that this antigen may be present in the Rh--Er membrane. Expression of Rh0(D)-antigen in Rh--Er, stimulation of its activity in Rh-positive cells, and activation of ABO system antigens may result from photo-chemical destruction of the outer membranous layer of the ER.