EXPRESSION OF A BLOOD-GROUP-B ANTIGEN-RELATED GLYCOEPITOPE IN HUMAN DORSAL-ROOT GANGLION-CELLS

Carbohydrate epitopes of glycoconjugates are expressed on sensory neur ons of dorsal root ganglion (DRG). A possible role of antibodies direc ted at carbohydrate determinants of the glycoconjugates has been sugge sted in some patients with sensory neuropathy. We investigated express ion of blood group antigen-related epitopes in human DRG immunohistoch emically using monoclonal antibodies to A, B, and H antigens. A blood group B determinant [Gal alpha 1-3(Fuc alpha 1-2)Gal beta-]-related gl ycoepitope was demonstrated in the neurons and surrounding satellite c ells of DRG obtained from subjects with any ABO blood group phenotype. The treatment with trypsin or chloroform/methanol prior to the immuno staining suggested that the glycoconjugate exhibiting the blood group B determinant-related epitope consisted mainly of glycoprotein and inc luded glycolipid. The glycoconjugates with the blood group B determina nt-related epitope may play a role in the physiological function and p athophysiology of human DRG neurons.