Investigation of Leukocyte Agglutination in Serum of Compatible and Incompatible Blood Groups

Abstract

Earlier observations have shown that a leukocyte agglutinating substance is present in the serum of Pyramidon agranulocytosis and can cause a severe leukopenia when transferred by transfusion. The reaction of leukocytes in compatible and incompatible sera was examined. A total of 380 cross-matches were performed with the serum and isolated leukocytes of 30 patients. Only in a third of the cases could agglutination of the leukocytes be demonstrated where, on the basis of the blood groups, agglutination was expected. Of 174 blood cross-matches with positive agglutination, only 60 showed a simultaneous positive leukocyte agglutination. Comparing this with the 206 cross-matches with negative erythrocyte agglutination, one finds only 10 positive leukocyte agglutinations (= 5%). Leukocyte agglutination can be attributed in 97% of the cases to blood group specific iso-agglutinins and only 3% to the probable existence of a non-specific agglutinin. The significance of non-specific agglutinins in development of leukopenia in certain diseases is discussed.