Analysis Of The Immunoglobulin Heavy Chain Variable Region Gene Fingerprinting Of Human Neonates

Objective: To develop IgH gene fingerprinting of human neonates of different gestational age (GA), as well study the influence of neonatal maturity on IgH repertoire.Methods: Peripheral blood from neonates of GA of 27-42 weeks were collected. RNA was extracted from mononuclear cells. RT-PCR was used to amplify the IgH gene, and PCR products were separated by electrophoresis and stained on 6% denaturing PAGE gel.Results: (1) Fingerprintings for VH1 to VH7 families of IgH gene in neonates of different GA were established. Fingerprintings of neonates of GA 27 weeks were irregular, while those of neonates with more than 28~32 weeks' GA were regular and could be transformed to near normal distribution curve. Oligoclonal expansion bands did not occur on IgH gene fingerprings of all neonates. (2) All VHfamilies were used in all neonates, but there was a bias use of VH3> VH1 and VH7 families in IgH gene repertoire. (3) The differences of band numbers and area below the curve in neonates with GA 28-32^ 33-36 and 37-42 weeks were not significant, but those in neonates of GA 27 weeks were significant. Molecular weight (medium) of bands in all neonates was similar.Conclusions: Fingerprintings of neonates with GA of 27-42 weeks are firstly established in our study. An imbalance exits in the usage of VH1~ VH7 gene; 28~32th week of GA may be a turning point in the course of the development of IgH gene repertoire. Fingerprintings of neonates with GA from 28 to 42 weeks seem to be stable.