Characterization of a monoclonal antibody that recognizes a determinant unique to human haemoglobin beta-chain

Methodologies are described for the production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to human haemoglobin. Three monoclonal antibodies are described, two of which recognize distinct determinants on the alpha-chain subunit. A third monoclonal antibody, Hb-2d, recognizes a determinant expressed on human beta-chain. The Hb-2d determinant is shared by human and baboon haemoglobins, but is not expressed by haemoglobins from beef, goose, pig, rabbit, sheep, dog, rat or mouse. Monoclonal antibody Hb-2d will bind to haemoglobin A2 but not to foetal haemoglobin suggesting that delta-but not gamma-chain also expresses the Hb-2d determinant. The results of testing a limited panel of human haemoglobin variants is presented.     

Guide wire angioplasty balloon catheter: preliminary report

A new balloon catheter has been developed for angioplasty. The balloon is more flexible and its walls are thinner than those of conventional catheters. It folds down better yet withstands 8-10 atm of pressure. This advance has been married to new guide wire technology, producing a low-profile angioplasty balloon on a 0.038-inch guide wire. It compared favorably with a standard 7-F angioplasty catheter when tested at 4 atm in a rabbit and has been successfully used to dilate ten peripheral stenoses in four patients.     

GENETIC CONTROL OF THE IMMUNE RESPONSE TO HAEMOGLOBIN

Monoclonal anti-Ia inhibition experiments were conducted to confirm and extend genetic mapping data of I-A gene control of immunity to human haemoglobin (Hb). It was found that the A_β gene is of critical importance in conferring immunity to the α-chain and β-chain subunits of Hb. A possible involvement of I-E region genes in B10.D2 mice to β-chain is discussed. Through the use of an α-chain specific T cell clone data, is obtained indicating that an intact Ia.8⁺ A_β chain is necessary for antigen presentation in vitro.