The Detection and Quantification of Rh(d) Antigen Sites on Human Leukocytes.

T HE D ANTIGEN has been detected on the surface of Rh( D) leukocytest by a variety of indirect technics. Dausett, Colombani and Evelin1 used the methods of antiglobulin consumption and anti-D absorption by leukocytes. Jankovi#{233} and Lincoln showed fluorescence of Rh(D) leukocytes with fluorescein conjugated antihuman globulin after the exposure of leukocytes to anti-D serum. Hollman was able to inhibit Rh(D) leukocyte migration liv the exposure of white cells to anti-D serum. Other studies, however, have failed to provide evidence for the presence of D antigen on Rh ( D ) leukocytes.4 #{176} This diversity of results has been found even when similar or apparently identical technics were used by different investigators. Methods of antigen detection which are dependent upon endpoint reactions on manifestations such as agglutination, precipitation on the consumption of antibody and antiglohuhin are often difficult to assess. Leukocyte agglutination may occur nonspecifically from the tendency for white cells to clump together,1’ or to other cell surfaces regardless of antigenic composition.5 The quantification of the precipitin reaction or of antibody consumption is complicated by the nonspecific association of serum globulins with leukocytes.12 All methods for the quantification of leukocyte isoantigens must either eliminate or measure the antigenic contribution of the inevitable contaminant erythrocytes and