Blood group A and B activity associated with factor VIII - von Willebrand factor

Abstract

This report presents further progress on the characterization of blood group activities associated with F VIII/vWf. Evidence is provided that a relationship exists between the nature of the soluble blood group substance of plasma and of F VIII/vWf isolated from this plasma. A mixture of F VIII/vWf from O blood group plasma with A and B substances leads to a purified F VIII/vWf with AB blood group activity. Furthermore, chemical analysis of glycans released from F VIII/vWf by alkaline-borohydride treatment or hydrazinolysis shows the absence of N-acetylgalactosamine residues in non-reducing terminal positions. These results suggest that the blood group activity of F VIII/vWf preparations may be related to minor contamination of this molecule by glycolipidic or glycoproteinic plasma components with A or B oligosaccharide structures.