Agarose gel electrophoresis of cerebrospinal fluid proteins and analysis of the pherogram profiles by analog computer

A micro-method of agarose gel electrophoresis requiring 1--3 ml of cerebrospinal fluid for quantitative analysis of cerebrospinal fluid proteins is described. After concentration of CSF to about 50 microliter by ultrafiltration and refractometric determination of protein, approximately 20--40 microgram of total protein are used for electrophoresis. Photometric scanning of the electrophoretic pattern at two different wavelengths permits quantitative evaluation. The pherograms are analysed by means of a modified DU-PONT analog computer. Factors which influence quantitative electrophoresis are examined. In cerebrospinal fluid of normal children 15 protein fractions are demonstrated: 2 prealbumins, albumin, 5 alpha-, 3 beta- and 4 gamma-globulins.