The proteins of normal and abnormal tectorial membranes

The proteins of the normal mouse tectorial membrane were analysed using SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Three major protein bands were found with molecular weights of 145 000, 155 000 and 165 000, together with a number of minor components. Abnormal tectorial membranes from thiouracil-treated mice and from Deafness, Jerker, and Varitint-Waddler mutant mice were also examined in this way, but no evidence could be found to support the hypothesis that the distortion of the membranes might be due to an abnormal protein constitution. No PAS-positive material could be demonstrated in gels of normal membranes.