Human alpha-fetoprotein and its purification by chromatography on immobilized estrogens

Tumour Biol. 1991;12(3):125-30. doi: 10.1159/000217697.

Abstract

Human alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was isolated from human abortive tissue by biospecific chromatography on immobilized estrogens. The most effective sorbents were: estrone-0-3-hemisuccinyl-hexamethylenediamine-Sepharose CL 4B and diethylstilbestrol-diasoanisole-sulfonyl-oxyethyl-Sepharose CL 4B. As elution solution the most optimum was 10% buffered aqueous butanol. Taking into consideration the data obtained, one can conclude that AFP in human biological fluids is bound to immobilized estrogens. Butanol extraction deestrogenizes AFP, and as a result human AFP acquires affinity to immobilized estrogens. During rechromatography on immobilized diethylstilbestrol, it was possible to obtain AFP preparations of about 95% purity. The present results provide the opportunity to work out new methodological approaches to human AFP isolation using biospecific chromatography on immobilized estrogens.

MeSH terms

  • Albumins / isolation & purification
  • Chromatography / methods
  • Diethylstilbestrol / metabolism
  • Estrogens / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Fetus
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Sepharose
  • Tissue Extracts / chemistry
  • Tissue Extracts / isolation & purification
  • alpha-Fetoproteins / isolation & purification*
  • alpha-Fetoproteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Albumins
  • Estrogens
  • Tissue Extracts
  • alpha-Fetoproteins
  • Diethylstilbestrol
  • Sepharose