Visualization of von Willebrand factor multimers by enzyme-conjugated secondary antibodies

A method for visualization of the multimeric forms of von Willebrand Factor (vWF) in plasma and platelets is described. The method is based upon: 1) Separation of the vWF multimers by SDS-agarose electrophoresis, 2) Subsequent blotting of the vWF multimers onto nitrocellulose, 3) Immunolocalization and visualization of the vWF pattern by the sequential incubation of the blot with primary vWF antiserum, peroxidase- or beta-galactosidase-conjugated secondary antibodies and a relevant chromogenic substrate.