Separation by Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis of RNA from the Spleens of Immunized Mice 1

Abstract

Summary

RNA from the spleens of immunized mice was separated by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels. Estimates of the molecular weight of various species of RNA was made by this method. Two peaks of especial interest were noted. They corresponded to RNAs with molecular weights of size approximating the theoretical requirements for messengers for antibody H chains and L chains. Their rate of synthesis as measured by the incorporation of ³H-uridine increased after immunization and X-irradiation of the mice before they were injected with antigen inhibited the appearance of the relevant peaks. They were considered to contain messenger RNAs for antibody although undoubtedly contained nonantibody-specifying RNAs of similar molecular weight.