Separation of serum creatine kinase isoenzymes by ion-exchange column chromatography

We describe a practical, technically convenient DEAE-Sephadex chromatographic column and a three-fraction salt-gradient elution procedure, with which serum creatine kinase activity is rapidly and quantitatively separated into the isoenzyme components with excellent analytical recovery of the total activity applied. The homogeneity of the isoenzyme fractions was demonstrated by electrophoresis and rechromatography. Sera assessed by the Mercer fractionation [Clin. Chem. 20, 36 (1974)] and the present procedure showed excellent agreement.