Thromb Haemost 1978; 39(01): 186-192
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1646668
Original Article
Schattauer GmbH Stuttgart

Immunochemical Detection of the Thomsen-Friedenreich Antigen (T-Antigen) on Platelet Plasma Membranes

Wolfgang M Glöckner
The Department of Immunobiology and the Medical Clinic, University of Cologne, West Germany
,
Hermann D Kaulen
The Department of Immunobiology and the Medical Clinic, University of Cologne, West Germany
,
Gerhard Uhlenbruck
The Department of Immunobiology and the Medical Clinic, University of Cologne, West Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 06 January 1977

Accepted 05 July 1977

Publication Date:
26 July 2018 (online)

Summary

Platelet plasma membranes were found to possess the disaccharide β--galactosyl(1−3)-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine which was measured by gas chromatography after release by alkaline borohydride treatment and desialylation. Immunological evidence using the specific lectins from Arachis hypogoea and Agaricus bisporus and an anti-T serum confirmed the presence of this disaccharide, the immunodominant group of the Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen (T-antigen). This receptor was only found after prior neuraminidase treatment indicating that it is normally a cryptic antigen, i.e. masked by sialic acid in the native membrane. Evidence for a second receptor with terminal N-acetylgalactosamine was obtained using the lectin from Helix pomatia. The binding of myxovirus and the lectins from Phaseolus vulgaris (PHA) and Canavalia ensiformis (Con A) to platelet membrane was also demonstrated.

The implication of the T-antigen in elimination of the platelets and its role in the haemolytic-uraemic syndrome is discussed.

 
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