HAPTOGLOBIN GENOTYPING BY ALLELE-SPECIFIC POLYMERASE-CHAIN-REACTION AMPLIFICATION

We performed haptoglobin (Hp) genotyping by polymerase chain reaction using allele-specific primer-pairs. The major six genotypes of Hp were identified using this method. Among Japanese individuals living in Eh ime and Okayama Prefectures, the allele frequencies were estimated to be Hp(2) = 0.723 and Hp(1S) = 0.277. Genotyping of Hp was possible wit h 0.3 ng of DNA and with 0.125 mu l of blood. It was also possible wit h whole blood left at room temperature for a month and also with the b loodstains left at room temperature for three years. In the heated blo od samples, both alleles, Hp2 and Hp'S, were detected in those heated at 100 degrees C for 2h. In bloodstains, Hp(2) and Hp(1S) were detecte d in samples heated at 100 degrees C for 2h and 120 degrees C for 30mi n. In addition, the genotype could be detected in samples other than b lood such as saliva, hair roots, tissue sections and dental pulps. The present method for Hp genotyping is expected to become a useful metho d in forensic analysis.