Properties of the scrapie agent-endomembrane complex from hamster brain

Subcellular fractionation of scrapie-infected hamster brain indicated the association of the scrapie agent with a component of the endomembrane system. Characterization by equilibrium density gradient centrifugation, electron microscopy, and marker enzymes suggested a primary association with rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum and a possible incorporation into the plasma membrane. DNA polymerase activity demonstrated a direct correlation with regions of scrapie activity from the gradient fractions. A scrapie-related product was detected after (3H)TMP incorporation and analysis on 2.2% polyacrylamide gels. Analysis of nucleic acid species extracted from subcellular fractions resulted in a greater quantity from healthy brain; however, no qualitative distinctions were detected.