Quantitative haemagglutination studies on samples from 113 members
of the tribe revealed 5 individuals whose red cells showed weak expression of Rh
antigens. Two were of group R(1) R(2), 2 of group R(1) R(z), and one of group R(2)R(0). All were
close tribal relatives of the propositus.
It is proposed that these individuals are heterozygous for the allele for which the
propositus is homozygous, and which is responsible for her Rh(null) phenotype. The
case appears to be similar to that studied by Levine and co-workers, and it seems
that the propositus does not express Rh antigens due to a genetically-determined
lack of a precursor, which is necessary for Rh (and UW) antigen biosynthesis. The
locus at which the block has occurred is not closely linked with the Rh locus.
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