Salivas from 35 type Le(a-b-x-) subjects were tested for Le^a, Le^b, Le^x, A, B and H substances by both manual and automated quantitative hemagglutination inhibition methods. For comparison, similar data were gathered from 226 Lewis positive adults. Among the 13 Le(a-b-x-) nonsecretors, 7 had small quantities of salivary Le^a activity and 11 had low concentrations of salivary Lex by manual methods. None showed any salivary Le^b activity. By the automated method, low concentrations of Le^a activity were demonstrable in 12. Among the 22 Le(a-b-x-) secretors, 6 had minute quantities of salivary Lewis activity, mainly Le^b. The Le^b activity could not represent cross reactivity with H substance because most of those subjects with the highest H activities had no Le^b activity. Our quantitative studies show, when salivary Lewis activity is present in individuals whose red cells era type Le(a-b-x-), that the activity is much lower in comparison with individuals whose red cells are Lewis positive. Thus, based on quantitative salivary studies, it is possible to distinguish between Lewis positive (Le/) and Lewis negative (le/le) individuals. These observations suggest that the le gene is not a completely inert allele but that it governs the biosynthesis of serologically active substances. The le gene can be regarded as an inefficient Le which produces exactly the same products in a qualitative way as the Le gene but quantitatively far less. Another possibility is, as recently suggested, that the le gene actually governs the biosynthesis of distinct products Le^c and Le^d and that salivary Le^a and Le^b activities among Lewis negative subjects represent cross reactivity with these products.

This content is only available via PDF.
1973
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.