Separation of subunits of pike eel gonadotropin by hydrophobic interaction chromatography

Subunits of pike eel gonadotropin were dissociated in propionic acid and separated by hydrophobic interaction chromatography on phenyl-Sepharose CL-4B with a high yield (79%). Isolated subunits were homogeneous, as tested by sodium dodecyl sulphate disc electrophoresis and by N-terminal analysis. The biological activities of two subunits, S-I and S-II, were 0% and 2.8% of native molecule, respectively, as assayed by stimulation of androgen production on carp testes. Reassociated molecules restored about 75% activity.