38 3, the Micronesians exhibiting the lowest frequency. it is felt that no conclusions concerning differences between ethnic groups can be drawn at this time.” ‘Table 22 shows the gene frequenciesfor the six genetic polymorphisms found. c. Blood Studies for Genetically Inherited Traits in the Marshallese.* A large body of data has been collected from genetic studies on the Marshaliese people. The results are not only of great anthropological interest but also may show in time some possible genetic effects of radiation exposure in future generations. Table 23 lists the frequency of the varioustraits tested. Blood grouping studies show that the Marshallese have a relatively high B gene frequency, a high N gene frequency, an extremely high R?! genefrequency, and total absence of Kell and Diego factors. These characteristics differ from those of Poly- nesians and suggest a relationship of the Marshailese people with Southeast Asians and Indonesians. Haptoglobin studies showed a frequency of the Hp? gene higher than in European populations. thus far tested and consistent with that of populations living near the equator. The distribution of haptoglobin types showed the population to be relatively homogeneous. Transferrins in ali sera were type CC, the common European type. BAminoisobutyric acid urinary levels showed the Marshallese to be the highest excreters of this acid of any population thus far reported. Levels in the exposed group were aboutthe sameasin the unexposed group, and no correlation was found with body burden levels of radionuclides; this indicates that there is probably no-correlation with radiation exposure. Hemoglobin types were considered normal (alf had type AAg). Sickling tests showed no sickling tendency in any of the people. Glucose-6phosphate dehydrogenase of the red cells appeared to be norma! in the Marshallese. Studies of Gm phenotypes Showed the Marshallese to have 100% Gm®+) and nearly 100% Gm+). There was a complete absence of Gm* and a high frequency of Gm-like (Gm*). Serum studies for the Ag system reveal that the Rongelapese compared with other world *Weare grateful to the following persons for analyses: blood groupings - Dr. L.N. Sussman, Beth Israel Hospital; haptogiobins, transferrins, AG antigens - Dr. B.S. Blumberg,Institute for Cancer Research, Philadelphia; hemoglobin types - Drs. R.L. Engle, Jr. and G. Castillo, Cornell University Medical Center, ‘and Dr. $.H. Bayer, Johns Hopkins Hospital; giucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase studies - Dr. Bayer: BAIB studies ~ Dr. S.M. Gartler, University of Washington, and Dr. Blumberg. “> Table 23 Genetically Inherited Traits in Marshallese Trait Frequency (%) Gene frequency ABO (310 people) Oo A 60.7 19.7 AB 4.5 B 15.1 R, P. 0.768 0.128 M N 0.194 0.806 R! R? R® 0.950 0.020 0.030 Q,. 0.103 MN (310 people) M MN N a ” 8.0 22.0 70.0 Kell (310 people) 0.0 Diego (310 people) 0.0 Rh (310 people) Rh,Rh, Rhirhe Rh, Rh2 Rho Rho . 90.9 4.2 3.9 0.3 0.6 Haptoglobins (176 people) Types 1-1 Types 2-2 Types 2-1 Types 0 & rare 33.5 18.2 47.2 1.1 Ag system (187 people) C.deB. New York 98.0 38.0 Hemoglobin (171 people) AAs 100.0 BAIB (188 people) High excretors 90.0 Australia antigen (474 people) populations have a high frequency of C.deB. antiserum reactors and a low frequency of New York antiserum reactors. The level of BAIB (8-aminoiso-butyric acid) was the highest yet reported for any population. Considerable caution must be exercised in evaluating the results of these studies on genetically inherited characteristics because of the small numberof samples tested. The data do seem to indicate relative homogeneity of the population and closest kinship with people of Southeast Asia.