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THE NATURE OF THE BACTERICIDAL SUBSTANCE IN LEUCOCYTIC EXTRACT
1Laboratories of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, New York.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
A bactericidal agent from horse leucocytes can be purified using ammonium sulphate precipitation and alcohol treatment. This method is similar to enzyme isolation techniques, aiding in the purification of this antibacterial compound.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Horse leucocytes contain a potent bactericidal agent.
- Understanding the properties of this agent is crucial for its potential therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the precipitation characteristics of the bactericidal agent from horse leucocytes.
- To determine suitable methods for isolating and purifying this antibacterial compound.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative precipitation of the bactericidal agent using ammonium sulphate saturation.
- Precipitation of the agent using absolute alcohol, assessing its solubility post-treatment.
Main Results:
- The bactericidal agent from horse leucocytes precipitates quantitatively with full ammonium sulphate saturation.
- Absolute alcohol also precipitates the agent, and it remains soluble after brief alcohol exposure, similar to enzymes.
Conclusions:
- Ammonium sulphate and alcohol are effective agents for precipitating the bactericidal compound from horse leucocytes.
- The agent's behavior with alcohol suggests it may be an enzyme or possess enzymatic properties, facilitating its isolation and purification.
