Subcellular distribution of blood group ABH and related antigens

Blood group ABH and related antigens are expressed not only in red blood cells but also abundantly in many epithelial cells of human and other vertebrate species. Recent electron microscope observations have revealed the precise distribution of these antigens in various cellular constituents such as the Golgi complex, cell membrane, mucous granules and nuclear heterochromatin. These findings may contribute to elucidate the biosynthetic mechanism of these substances as well as their physiological and pathological function.