Distribution of blood group antigen A in human oral epithelium.

Variation in the expression of blood group antigen A in different areas of the human oral mucous membrane was investigated using a double layer immunofluorescence staining technique. The expression of the antigen was semiquantitated by a serial two-fold dilution titration. Comparison between cheek, commissure, lower lip, and hard palate was made. It was not possible to demonstrate any difference in expression of blood group antigen between cheek, commissure, and lower lip. However, in most cases a marked difference in blood group antigen A was found between cheek and hard palate, the latter demonstrating a much weaker expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]