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 language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 864-866 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Science |
Volume | 183 |
Issue number | 4127 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 1974 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General