anti-B red cell agglutinins

Question

Hi!Can you please explain what does this mean? Is it: anti-B agglutinin of the red cells or something else? Actually I need prepositions here that could help me understand the relations of the words from the title? Thank you

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Anti-B and red cell are both adjectives of the noun agglutinin:

Blood groups are differentiation of blood by type, classified according to immunological (antigenic) properties, which are determined by specific substances on the surface of red blood cells. Blood groups are genetically determined and each is characterized by the presence of a specific complex carbohydrate. About 200 different blood group substances have been identified and placed within 19 known blood group systems. The most commonly encountered blood group system is the ABO, or Landsteiner, system. Individuals may contain the A, B, or both A and B antigenic substances, or else lack these substances (type O). In the ABO system an individual who lacks one or more of these antigens will spontaneously develop the corresponding antibodies (agglutinins) shortly after birth. Thus a person with A type blood will naturally produce anti-B agglutinins, a person with B blood will produce anti-A agglutinins, and a person with O blood will produce anti-A and anti-B agglutinins; but a person with AB blood will not produce any agglutinins in this blood group system.

Agglutinins are antibodies that cause the red blood cells to gather together.

Is that clear, Antonia?

Antonia · Answer

Yes, sir!

Thank you for this explanation, Mister Micawber. It's pretty much clear now.

anti-B red cell agglutinins

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