Genetic and Nongenetic Influences on the ABH and Le^a Antigen Levels of Saliva and Milk

Abstract

The saliva and milk of 250 parturient women were studied in relation to ABH antigen levels; part of the sample was also investigated for the Lewis (Le^a) substance. The levels of A and B are higher in saliva, and those of H and Le^a higher in milk. The H average salivary titers presented the relationship 0 > A₂ > A₁ > B > AB, but these differences were not present in milk. In addition, the salivary levels of A and B are similar in individuals of these groups but B > A in AB persons, and A₁ > A₂; while in milk A > B in A, B and AB subjects, and A₁≈ A₂. The amount of Le^a substance depends of the ABH secretor status in both secretions; but independently of this difference, the average titers were always higher in milk. Correlation coefficients between the levels observed in the two secretions are statistically significant for the A substance in A persons (0.46), H in B (0.58) and Le^a in all subjects tested (0.47). A stepwise multiple regression analysis performed to verify the influence of four genetic and six nongenetic variables in the ABH levels of both fluids indicated only one consistent modifying factor: ABO type.