What are Rh proteins?

Answer 1

Rh is a factor on blood cells that act as an antign (allergen) to those without it. The Rh refers to the fact that it was first found in Rhesus monkeys. If a mother is Rh negative (15% 0f the population in US) and her developing baby is Rh negative there is obviously no problem. If, however, the mother is negative and the baby is positive, the problem results. This only occurs when the father is Rh positive(+) and the mother is Rh negative(-). (lacking the Rh factor). The Rh factor passes the placental barrier, and the mother's immume system produces antibodies to the (+) factor. The antibodies pass the placental barrier also, and attacks the hemopoetic system on the baby (blood producing red marrow). As more a more red blood cells (RBC's)are destroyed by the antibodies, the blood system tries to increase the rate of cell production and starts sending immature RBC's in to the circulation. These are nucleated RBC known as Erythroblasts and the cells are not capable of transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide normally. The medical condition is known as "Erythroblastsis Fetalis" The inability of oxygen transport can lead to developmental anomalies and even death of the fetus. A Rh positive mother and either a Rh (+) baby or a Rh (-) baby have no problem. As with an allergic reaction, each subsequenial pregnancy causes greater allergic reaction. This can be prevented by the simple injection of a medicine (RhoGAM) to prevent the reaction ...sort of like an allergy injection.

Answer 2

Rh protein or Rh factors are proteins (immunogenic D antigen) found in red blood cells (RBC). The term Rh+ or Rh- strictly denotes for its presence or absence in the RBCs. Rh incompatability or Hemolytic condition can occur when a embryo or fetus formed between Rh+ mother and Rh- father. This can be preventable with medical care though.

Answer 3

Rh proteins, also known as Rhesus proteins, are a group of proteins found on the surface of red blood cells. They are important for determining an individual's blood type and can play a role in blood transfusion compatibility and hemolytic disease in newborns. The most well-known Rh protein is the Rh factor, which can be Rh positive or Rh negative.