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JOHN E. CUSHINU
occur. Other points to be considered include the possibility that some
erythrocytes may be negative in agglutination tests with the unabsorbed antiserum being used yet still carry enough antigen to remove
antibodies during absorption ; and the possibility that, even though
somewhat different, some antibodies and related antigens cross-react
to such a degree as to prevent their separation by absorption. Generally
speaking, these points are not of great concern in many absorptions.
Some absorbed serums regain part of their reactivity after standing
overnight or longer. This is probably due to reversal of inhibitions
caused by soluble antigenic components of the erythrocytes, and can
easily be detected if a suitable control is run on the serum.
8 . The inhibition technique
Specific soluble blood group substances, found in serum and other
body fluids, are detected by their ability to inhibit the reaction of
antibodies with erythrocytes. Tests are made by adding a drop or two
of the fluid that is to be tested to an equal volume of antiserum dilution
and allowing this mixture to stand for 20 min or longer. Soluble
substances, when present, combine with the antibodies in the serum
during this time and inhibit their action with erythrocytes when these
are subsequently added. Care must be taken to determine that
inhibitions which may be observed are not only specific, but also are
not due to such entities as blocking antibodies. The inhibition test
has a variety of applications such as in the study of the immunochemistry of blood group antigens, and research on the nature of
lectins.
9. Equipment
The equipping of a central laboratory for marine blood group
research is relatively simple. Major essentials include : (a) centrifuges
suitable for rapid separation of serum from cells, for washing cells,
and occasionally for removing sediment from serums, (b) ample
refrigerator and freezer space in the laboratory or conveniently at
hand, (c) glassware, (d) needles and syringes, (e) distilled water supply,
(f) dish washing area, (9) balances, (h) chemicals, and (i) proper lighting
for reading tests.
Blood typing can be conducted at field stations and at sea if cam
is taken to insure that such things as suitable electrical current for
oentrifuges, and refrigerator and freezer space will be available.
Disposable syringes and needles (which actually can be used several
times) are a useful innovation, as are reagents that have previously
been divided into small aliquots in anticipation of the needs for emall
JOHN E. CUSHINU
occur. Other points to be considered include the possibility that some
erythrocytes may be negative in agglutination tests with the unabsorbed antiserum being used yet still carry enough antigen to remove
antibodies during absorption ; and the possibility that, even though
somewhat different, some antibodies and related antigens cross-react
to such a degree as to prevent their separation by absorption. Generally
speaking, these points are not of great concern in many absorptions.
Some absorbed serums regain part of their reactivity after standing
overnight or longer. This is probably due to reversal of inhibitions
caused by soluble antigenic components of the erythrocytes, and can
easily be detected if a suitable control is run on the serum.
8 . The inhibition technique
Specific soluble blood group substances, found in serum and other
body fluids, are detected by their ability to inhibit the reaction of
antibodies with erythrocytes. Tests are made by adding a drop or two
of the fluid that is to be tested to an equal volume of antiserum dilution
and allowing this mixture to stand for 20 min or longer. Soluble
substances, when present, combine with the antibodies in the serum
during this time and inhibit their action with erythrocytes when these
are subsequently added. Care must be taken to determine that
inhibitions which may be observed are not only specific, but also are
not due to such entities as blocking antibodies. The inhibition test
has a variety of applications such as in the study of the immunochemistry of blood group antigens, and research on the nature of
lectins.
9. Equipment
The equipping of a central laboratory for marine blood group
research is relatively simple. Major essentials include : (a) centrifuges
suitable for rapid separation of serum from cells, for washing cells,
and occasionally for removing sediment from serums, (b) ample
refrigerator and freezer space in the laboratory or conveniently at
hand, (c) glassware, (d) needles and syringes, (e) distilled water supply,
(f) dish washing area, (9) balances, (h) chemicals, and (i) proper lighting
for reading tests.
Blood typing can be conducted at field stations and at sea if cam
is taken to insure that such things as suitable electrical current for
oentrifuges, and refrigerator and freezer space will be available.
Disposable syringes and needles (which actually can be used several
times) are a useful innovation, as are reagents that have previously
been divided into small aliquots in anticipation of the needs for emall