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)