[Influence of ultrasonic waves and enzymes on antigenic properties of human erythrocytes. I. Ultrasonic waves].

In order to desintegrate the membranes and to isolate Rh antigens erythrocytes with well defined Rh patterns are treated with ultrasonic waves. The results of investigation of the homogenous sonicates allow the following tentative conclusions: The Rh antignes (C and E) are combined obviously with certain functional membrane areas of a given size. After sonication the activity of the sonicate to neutralize specific antibodies is greater than the activity of the same amount of untreated cells. It is supposed that this effect is caused by making accessible hidden antigens that are inaccessible in the intact membrane. Immunization of rabbits with the sonicates does not stimulate Rh-specific antibodies.