Quantitative Chemical Studies on Complement or Alexin: I. A Method

Quantitative Chemical Studies on Complement or Alexin: I. A Method

Contributor(s):
Heidelberger, Michael
Journal of Experimental Medicine
Publication:
Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, June 1941
Language(s):
English
Format:
Text
Subject(s):
Complement System Proteins
Genre(s):
Archival Materials
Articles
Abstract:
In the late 1930s, Heidelberger turned to the study of alexin, or immunological complement, blood serum proteins that play an important enzymatic role in regulating immune responses to invading microorganisms, particles, and toxins. Immunologists had puzzled for years over whether or not complement, which at the time was used to refer to the heat-sensitive factor in serum that causes the bursting of antibody-coated cells (immune cytolysis), was a distinct substance, or simply semi-congealed serum. Having determined the molecular weight of polysaccharide-antibody precipitates, Heidelberger was able to show that complement added considerable molecular weight to these precipitates, proving that it was indeed a separate substance. Increased knowledge about alexin would be useful for diagnostic purposes.
Copyright:
This item may be under copyright protection; contact the copyright owner for permission before re-use.
Extent:
14 pages
NLM Unique ID:
101584940X28 (See in Profiles in Science)
Profiles in Science ID:
DHBBCJ
Permanent Link:
http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/101584940X28
Archival Collection:
The Michael Heidelberger Papers (Profiles in Science)