HL-A antigens in mummified pre-Columbian tissues

Peter Stastny

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Tissue extracts of pre-Columbian mummies, from 500 to 2000 years old, were found to inhibit specific antibodies to HL-A. Two-thirds of the specimens tested gave positive results. Patterns of reactions obtained with different antiserums detecting the same antigen were concordant and consistent with known relations between HL-A antigens. The distribution of antigens found was similar to that observed in present-day descendants of the ancient populations studied. Although artifacts due to contaminating substances could have occurred, the reactions resembled in many respects those of HL-A antigens rather than those of nonspecific cross-reacting inhibitors. Development of a technique for HL-A typing of mummified remains may open new possibilities for anthropologic studies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)864-866
Number of pages3
JournalScience
Volume183
Issue number4127
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 1974

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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