Blood Group 0(H)-Like Activity in Extracts from some Invertebrates

Abstract

Using seven different anti-H reagents of fish and plant origin, cross-reactive human blood group 0(H)-like activity was detected in 15 of 22 invertebrate extracts examined. All of the ‘H-active’ extracts reacted with eel serum. This was demonstrated by precipitation or by the inhibition of eel serum induced agglutination of group O erythrocytes. Catfish and eel anti-H sera precipitated with the galactogens present in albumin gland extracts from five species of snails. L-fucose has not been detected in these galactogens. Precipitation reactions were also observed when some other invertebrate extracts were diffused in gel against eel serum. Based on the reaction patterns observed with the different anti-H reagents, the extracts which showed H-like activity have been divided into four different categories.