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Measuring the 50% Haemolytic Complement (CH50) Activity of Serum
Published on: March 29, 2010
THE PREPARATION AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE SERUM PROTEIN COMPONENTS OF COMPLEMENT
L Pillemer1, E E Ecker, J L Oncley
1Department of Physical Chemistry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, and the Institute of Pathology, Western Reserve University, and the University Hospitals, Cleveland.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Researchers purified three complement components from guinea pig serum: mid-piece, end-piece, and the 4th component. This study details their separation methods and biochemical properties for further immunological research.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Complement system components are crucial for immune responses.
- Purification of individual complement factors is essential for understanding their specific functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe methods for isolating and purifying three complement components from guinea pig serum.
- To characterize the biochemical properties of these purified components.
Main Methods:
- Separation of complement components using biochemical techniques.
- Characterization of purified components via electrophoresis and sedimentation analysis.
Main Results:
- Mid-piece was isolated as a euglobulin with specific electrophoretic mobility and sedimentation constant.
- End-piece and 4th component were co-purified in a euglobulin fraction containing carbohydrates.
Conclusions:
- Successful purification of key complement components from guinea pig serum was achieved.
- The study provides foundational data on the biophysical properties of mid-piece, end-piece, and the 4th component.
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