Abstract.Red cells and serum from two Bhvariants (B+H‐cells) have been investigated for B and H blood group glycosyltransferases. The H enzyme could not be detected using either type 1 or type 2 chain acceptors. The B enzyme was present in normal amount when 2′‐fucosyl‐lactose was used as substrate, neither 6′‐fucosyllactose nor 6′‐fucosyllactosamine could act as acceptors for the B enzyme.Upon treatment of the Bhred cells by the B‐degrading enzyme fromTrichomonas foetusthe B antigen was destroyed while H determinants were uncovered (B‐H+cells). The cells thus treated could be further converted into A+H‐ red cells by the action of the A transferase from human blood group A serum. Previous treatment of the B‐H+ cells by the H‐degrading enzyme fromT. foetus, however, led to B‐H‐ erythrocytes and prevented their conversion into A red blood cells by the A enzyme. The results clearly demonstrate that, as found in normal B individuals, the B antigen from Bhcells is built up from the H precursor and provide additional evidence thatHis not a completely
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