Disaggregated Human Erythrocyte Membranes and Blood Group Activity

Summary Twice lyophilized human erythrocyte membranes were solubilized or disaggregated with an anionic detergent, sodium duodecyl sulfate, and the latter completely removed by anionic exchange chromatography with Dowex 2. Gel filtration of the solubilized material in detergent showed multiple peaks indicating a diversity of molecular size. Gel filtration of the solubilized material after detergent removal showed a single sharp peak coming off with the void volume (molecular weight equal or more than 300,000). After detergent removal, blood group A, B and O (H) activities were shown to be present by hemagglutination inhibition experiments. M and N activities were also seen, but not Rh antigen activity.