Purification and characterization of six annexins from human placenta

Isolation of six calcium-binding proteins from human placenta is described by means of hydrophobic chromatography, calcium-dependent adsorption to heparin-Sepharose and ion-exchange chromatography. These proteins were characterized and identified as PP4, PP4-X, PAP III, p68 and lipocortins I and II belonging to the family of annexins. Antibodies raised against PP4, PAP III and p68 revealed to be highly specific, while those raised against PP4-X reacted with all investigated annexins, except PP4. Cross-reactivity was also observed between lipocortins I and II. All annexins inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner blood coagulation but with different potencies as was determined by means of a modified thromboplastin time test. The most potent inhibitors turned out to be PP4 and PAP III, followed by PP4-X, lipocortin I, p68 and lipocortin II.