Side products of routine plasma fractionation. I. Serum cholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8)

Cholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8) for intravenous use has been obtained from fraction IV, a by-product of ehtanol fractionation. A four-step procedure has been developed associating precipitation by Rivanol and PEG 4000 with chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. The yield corresponds to 30--35% of the activity found in fraction IV. Vials containing 5000 U of CHE stabilized by 2.5% albumin have been prepared. The pyrogen-free product is well tolerated in the human.