Improved resolution of PI (alpha 1-antitrypsin) phenotypes by a large-scale immobilized pH gradient

PI variants and PI M subtypes were examined by isoelectric focusing in a preformed immobilized pH gradient. Conditions were found that permit reliable classification of PI variants and of most PI M subtypes: the pH gradient ranges from 4.3 to 4.8 on a polyacrylamide gel with a length of 20 cm and a separation distance of approximately 16-17 cm (delta pH = 0.025 U/cm). The PI phenotypes observed are presented.