IMMUNOHISTOLOGIC PATTERN OF TYPE-1 (LEA, LEB) AND TYPE-2 (X, Y, H) BLOOD GROUP-RELATED ANTIGENS IN THE HUMAN PYLORIC AND DUODENAL MUCOSAE

  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 53  (2) , 219-227
Abstract
Type 1 antigens (Lea and Leb) of the pyloric mucosa are restricted to the mucus cells of the surface epithelium and the neck. In the duodenum they are present in absorptive and goblet cells of duodenal villi as well as in the glands of Lieberkuhn. Type 2 antigens (X, Y and H) are also present in these areas of the mucosa, and both type 1 and type 2 antigens, in this superficial location, are under the control of the secretor gene. Type 2 antigens are also present in the mucus cells of pyloric and Brunner''s glands, but in this deep location they are not controlled by the secretor gene. The existence of 2 differentiation patterns for the expression of glycosyltransferases were suggested in the stem cells. The upward differentiation process would favor the expression of the .alpha.-2-L-fucosyltransferase coded by the Se gene and the downward differentiation process would favor the expression of the .alpha.-2-L-fucosyltransferase coded by the H gene. The knowledge of the distribution and the genetic control of type 1 and 2 antigenic determinants in normal gastrointestinal tract may help to interpret the modifications in the expression of these antigens in pathologic conditions such as neoplasia.