[Separation of 19S IgM pentamers by a gel chromatographic method using silochrome CX-3]

Silochrome CX-3, a gel filter used in gel chromatography, has helped differentiate between 19S IgM fractions and other immunoglobulin classes. A column 37 cm high with a cross sectional area of 0.7 cm2 has been employed for the fractionation of 0.5 ml of serum; the maximum yield of 19S IgM has been 1.3-1.4 ml, i.e. after the serum has passed through the column it has been diluted not more than 2.6-2.8-fold. Rigid structure of this porous material provides an accurate separation of 19S IgM and other classes of antibodies, a minimal dilution of 19S IgM-containing fractions, a high rate (50-60 ml/cm2/h) of elution and a rapid result: all the components of the fractionated serum can be obtained within 40-50 min.