Quantitative Sub-Groups of the B Antigen in Man and their Occurrence in Three Racial Groups

Groups of a-D- Galactosyltransferase Activity in Sera of Individuals with Normal B Phenotype

“…In this population we did not find the third group with a stronger agglutinability as described by Gibbs et al [6]. However, the relative agglutinabilities of our groups I and II fit with that of the subgroups B0'4 and Bo.e of these authors.…”

“…11 among 20 subjects belonged to a third group defined by a high transferase activity. The third group with the strongest agglutinability previously described by Gibbs et al [6] were not encountered. On the other hand, serum transferase activity varied inversely as agglutination scores with antiHi (Ulex).…”

“…In fact, measurements were carried out using standard conditions, with only one antibody concentration in which normal B antigen was characterized by 95-100% agglutinability. However, the results of Gibbs et al [6], per formed on a wide range of antibody concentration, led to the recognition of B subgroups. In this work, only the transferase activity study clearly allows the recognition of the B groups of agglutinability.…”

“…Such results had to be compared with the discovery [6] of three sub groups for the aggiutinability of normal B red cells. Their relative fre quencies depended on the ethnical origins; the subgroup with the highest agglutinability might represent an exclusive Negroid character.…”

Methods in Quantitative Hemagglutination

“…The methods outlined have already proved valuable in studies demanding greater precision in the evaluation of relative potency. Gibbs et al [22] reported three distinct groups of cells differing in their content of B antigen among those taken from 143 group B individuals. These quantitative subtypes have different frequencies in Caucasians, Negroes and Orientals and the differences appear to be inherited.…”