[Polymorphism of platelet glycoprotein Ib in the Spanish population ].

PURPOSE

To assess the polymorphism of the platelet membrane glycoprotein in castilians and gypsy people and to confirm the genetic transmission of such glycoprotein by means of family studies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two-hundred castilians and 87 gypsy subjects were studied. Glycoprotein Ib was analysed by means of SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by Western-Blotting and labelling with glycoprotein-specific monoclonal antibodies and lectins. The different populations were compared by using the chi-square method (Fisher's test).

RESULTS

Only three groups of glycoprotein Ib, namely, B, C and D, were found in both population groups, no differences being observed in the expression of the different phenotypic variants. Lesser polymorphism was present in the gypsy group. The family studies showed that glycoprotein Ib is genetically determined, the two alleles being co-dominantly expressed in each individual.

CONCLUSIONS

The polymorphism of glycoprotein Ib is similar to that of caucasians, type A being not found. No differences seem to exist between castilians and gypsy people. The heredity pattern is autosomal co-dominant.