Lewis and secretor gene effects on Lewis antigen and postnatal developmentof Lewis blood type

Lewis (Le) and Secretor (Se) gene effects on postnatal change in Lewis anti gens are described based on the quantitative analysis of Lewis antigens in blood. Genuine Lewis blood types were determined by Le and Se genotyping in DNA samples obtained from umbilical cord blood and infant blood. Lewis(a) (Le(a)) and Lewis(b) (Le(b)) antigen levels were measured by a time-resolve d fluoroimmunoassay. We found that Lewis phenotypes in infants over 9 month s of age agreed with the genuine types. In cord blood, the dosage effect of the Se gene on antigen levels was observed, but the Le gene effect was not observed. Both Se and Le gene effects were observed in newborn babies' blo od 3-6 days after birth. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.