ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 10

Chemically Sensitized Erythrocytes for Hemagglutination Reactions
Harrington, JJ
Senior forensic scientist, New Jersey State Police, North Regional Laboratory, NJ

Ross, JP
Visiting investigator, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, NY

Kobilinsky, L
Professor, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, NY

Gordon, RE
Associate professor, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY

(Received 20 June 1989; accepted 19 September 1989)

Abstract

The use of chemically modified indicator erythrocytes for hemagglutination reactions can result in increased sensitivity. Treatment of erythrocytes with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or dextran T40 (10% weight/volume) induces changes in the cell surface in the form of extensions and blebbing, thereby increasing the surface area. These sensitized cells can be used in forensic science when detection or quantitation of erythrocyte surface reacting antibodies is important. The effect of altering membrane lipid fluidity on erythrocyte surface antigens has also been investigated. Treatment of cells with a reagent that increases the membrane ratio of cholesterol to phospholipid results in enhanced hemagglutination capacity despite the lack of extensive spiculation.

Keywords:
forensic science, serology, hemagglutination, antibody, antigen, bovine serum albumen (BSA), dextran, erythrocytes, forensic serology, hemagglutination, polymer, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), zeta potential

Paper ID: JFS12933J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12933J
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