Immunologic characterization and quantification of haemoglobin A1c.

Sheep antiserum developed against the human glycohaemoglobin, Hb A1c, distinguishes this fraction from the major component Hb A0. Partial cross reactivity is observed with Hb A1a and Hb A1b, as well as with analogous glycohaemoglobins from mouse and dog haemolysates. The reactivity of the haemoglobins with this specific antiserum is abolished by the reduction of the keto group of the sugar ligand. The immunological specificity displayed provides the basis of a quantitative assay for Hb A1c, suitable for studies of clinical and experimental diabetes.