Abstract
In previous publications ( 1 , 2 ) it was demonstrated that 2 serologically active substances can be isolated from the stroma of beef erythrocytes; one reacts with the hemagglutinins that are formed in infectious mononucleosis, the other, with those formed in horse serum sickness. The stroma of beef erythrocytes was first exhaustively extracted with acetone and then with 100% ethanol at room temperature, thus removing serologically inactive substances to a large extent. In order to isolate the specific reactants the stroma residue was then extracted with boiling 100% ethanol, and subsequently, with boiling 80% ethanol. As can be seen from Table I, the 80% ethanol extract yields the so-called mononucleosis antigen (M.A.) and the extract obtained with boiling 100% ethanol, the so-called serum sickness antigen (S.S.A.). Complete and distinct separation of the two serologically active substances could not be accomplished. The fractions do not correspond to pure haptens. However, on the basis of serological activity it could be assumed that the individual fractions were only 2-6% contaminated by the heterogenic fractions. Since the individual fractions are serologically highly active it was thought probable that they might demonstrate significant chemical differences which might point to the nature of the individual haptens. On the basis of previous investigations the nature of these haptens was disclosed only to the extent that they were found to be thermostable, not digestible by trypsin and pepsin, and did not give reactions characteristic for proteins. This report deals with the chemical analysis of the serologically active fractions of the beef erythrocytes. In addition, the glucose and glucosamine content after hydrolysis is presented.
Methods. 1. The C-, H- and N- determinations were done according to Pregl's method of quantitative elementary microanalysis.
2. Phosphorus was determined as ammoniumphosphomolybdate.
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