Chimpanzee simian-type blood groups: reproducibility of formerly described antisera and demonstration of new blood groups Oc and Pc1.

A chimpanzee of simian-type blood groups V.A, cef, G, H, L was isoimmunized with the red cells of another chimpanzee of simian-type V.B, cef, G, H, 1 in order to obtain antibodies of specificity anti-Bc, originally produced in another chimpanzee in 1964. In addition to the desired anti-Bc, the immunized chimpanzee produced also three other antibodies; anti-Yc cross-reactive with chimpanzee red cells of the simian-type Bc and/or Dc, a potent cold autoantibody reactive for red cells of all chimpanzees tested, and 'new' antibodies anti-Oc and anti-Pc. This study confirms the reproducibility of results obtained over a period of 13 years.

Blood groups of crab-eating macaques (Macaca fascicularis) demonstrated by isoimmune rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) sera.

Twenty-one isoimmune sera produced in rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) containing type-specific antibodies for simian-type red cell antigens were tested for their cross-reactivity with red cells from crab-eating macaques (M. fascicularis). The majority of the antisera gave cross-reactions determining polymorphisms in the red cells of crab-eating macaques, homologous to those of rhesus monkeys. These results attest to the close taxonomic realationship between the two species of macaques, and have the practical implication that isoimmune sera produced for blood typing can also be used for typing red cells from related species, as has been also observed in studies on apes.

Blood group mythology: present status.

There are still many myths, incorrect beliefs, in medicine; some pertaining to the field of blood grouping are discussed. Certain fallacious statements are dealt with in detail such as the dependence on the A-B-O blood group of the shape of the retracted clot; the patients with Dupuytren contracture all being type Rh1Rh2; the assumption of an association with the blood groups of a number of diseases and even of temperament; the belief in the existence of ant-M-lectin and of little d and thus of anti-d sera; and also of the alleged LW (Landsteiner--Wiener) factor. Finally, Race and Sanger's system of symbols is condemned and the advantages of the author's own nomenclature are pointed out.

Erythroblastosis models. II. Materno-fetal incompatibility in chimpanzee.

Erythroblastosis fetalis represents a significant hazard for successful management of pregnancy in man and in marmosets, but not in crab-eating macaques. Materno-fetal blood group incompatibility in chimpanzee is described as a contributing factor in the death of an infant. The findings indicate that parental blood groups should be taken into consideration when breeding chimpanzees.

Blood groups of the mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata).

Fifty-two howler monkeys were tested for their human-type A-B-O blood groups. All were group B, as shown by the presence of B and H in their saliva, and anti-A in serum. The B-like agglutinogen of their red cells is common to all New World monkey species tested, and is of different origin and significance than their true A-B-O blood group. Differences among the B-like agglutinogens of the red cells of howler monkeys, marmosets, rabbits and humans group B were demonstrated, and limited tests have also been performed to study the biochemical basis of the anti-B reactions.

Human-type A-B-O blood group antigens of Ethiopian vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) in the wild.

Human type A-B-O blood group antigens were tested in a local population of Ethiopian vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops). One animal was of group AB, the others were A. This represents a lower rate of polymorphism at this locus than has been observed among South African populations of the same species.

Blood groups of bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata), with a brief introduction to seroprimatology.

The human-type A-B-O blood groups of 52 bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata) were determined. Application of method of population genetics indicated the gene frequences to be 0 = 0.173, a = 0.480 and B = 0.347. Cross testing of sera and red cells of the bonnet macaques revealed two blood-type-specific isoagglutinins, one of them strong enough for use as a blood typing reagent. No blood group polymorphism was revealed by testing bonnet macaque red cells with isoantisera produced in rhesus monkeys (M. mulatta) and in crab-eating macaques (M. fascicularis). The rhesus and crab-eating macaque isoantisera reacted either with all or with none of the bonnet macaque red cells tested.

Blood groups of gorillas: further observations.

Four mountain gorillas (Gorilla gorilla beringei) were tested for their human-type and simian-type blood groups. They were all found to be human-type B, MN, He, Rho and chimpanzee simian-type V.O, CeF, G, H.

Spontaneously occurring agglutinins in primate sera. II. Their classification and implications for the mechanism of antibody formation.

Spontaneously occurring agglutinins in animal sera are shown to fall into several categories, namely, 1. cold-reactive agglutinins; these often are nonspecific and act as autoagglutinins, 2. agglutinins reactive at room as well as refrigerator temperatures; these, like cold agglutinins, are usually IgM immunoglobulins which may be species-specific in their activity, or type-specific, notably, like anti-A and anti-B and 3. agglutinins reactive at body temperature, usually IgG immunoglobulins, and most often due to maternofetal incompatibility and transplacental immunization of the mother by fetal red cells. The naturally occurring cold autoantibodies are physiologic in nature and appear to be the raw materials for antibody production. This is postulated to be adaptive in nature by enzyme action, through in part genetically determined, as evidenced by the so-called constant polypeptide sections of the immunoglobulin molecules.

The first isoimmune blood group system of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta): the graded Drh system.

The simian-type blood group specificity Drh of rhesus monkeys, first described in 1967, has been proved to be the keystone of a rhesus monkey blood group system, holding a position comparable to that of Rho in the Rh-Hr system. Unlike the Rh-Hr system, however, it does not react well by the ficinated red cell technique and it includes a series of antigens giving graded reactions comparable to those of the human A1-A2 subgroups. The antigens of the Drh system appear to be the most strongly immunogenic, and are thus of greatest importance for the experimental use of these animals, such as in transplantation and blood transfusion.

Spontaneously occurring agglutinins in primate sera.

Tests for spontaneously occurring agglutinins in the sera of nonhuman primates showed that such antibodies are not infrequent. Some act as heteroagglutinins, others as autoagglutinins, while of most interest are the isoagglutinins, especially those found in female animals apparently resulting from isoimmunization in pregnancy.

Family studies on the simian-type blood groups of chimpanzees.

Family studies were carried out the investigate the genetics of the chimpanzee simian type blood group systems V-A-B-D and C-E-F. In addition to providing new data, the studies confirm the validity of earlier results obtained by population genetics methodology for deducing genetic mechanisms in primate animals where family material cannot be obtained.