Studies on the Variability of ABH Blood Group Antigens on Cells in Primary Culture ∗

Abstract

Summary

ABH blood group activity was demonstrated on primary amnion cells in culture for periods up to 6 months and beyond the time when cell division could be demonstrated. Blood group reactive and nonreactive populations were observed in each culture, a finding in accord with those seen in early primary cultures and in established lines. During the time that cell division was observed, the rate of division was correlated with numbers of blood group positive cells as judged by mixed agglutination. Serological activity may be retained in cells with membrane defects which have lost the capacity for further division. Such activity is variable from cell to cell and may depend upon the time that impairment of reproductive capacity occurs in the cell cycle, and subsequent retention of such cells on the monolayer.