ENZYMATIC CONVERSION OF RED CELLS FOR TRANSFUSIONS

摘要

A composition comprising type O erythrocyte free of P1 antigenicity; and a method of converting erythrocytes of the B antigen type to erythrocytes of the H-antigen type which comprises: (A) equilibrating the erythrocytes to a pH of 5.7-5.8; (B) thereafter contacting the soequilibrated erychrocytes with an enzyme for a period sufficient to convert the B antigen in the erythrocytes to the H-antigen; (C) thereafter removing the enzyme from the erythrocytes; and (D) re-equilibrating the erythrocytes to a pH of 7.2-7.4. The preferred enzyme being .alpha.-galactosi-dase. The specification also discloses conversion of the B antigens in human and animal blood to the H antigen (O cells).