Immunochemical comparisons among myelin basic proteins

Comp Biochem Physiol B. 1978;59(4):299-306. doi: 10.1016/0305-0491(78)90006-8.

Abstract

1. The relationships among myelin encephalitogenic or basic proteins were immunochemically examined. 2. Rabbit antisera to myelin basic proteins isolated from chicken, rabbit, bovine, guinea-pig, and human brain specimens were prepared. By quantitative microcomplement fixation these rabbit antisera were used to measure cross-reactions among the myelin basic proteins of the turtle, chicken, rat, rabbit, cow, pig, sheep, dog, guinea-pig, monkey and human. 3. A spectrum of cross-reactivities was detected even though some cross-reactivity persisted across major phylogenetic barriers. Varying, but sometimes marked, differences existed in reactivities of the small and large basic proteins of the rat. Reciprocity of cross-reactivities among basic proteins was inconstant. 4. This study demonstrates the range of immunochemical cross-reactivities among myelin basic proteins and the sensitivity of quantitative microcomplement fixation in assessing such antigenic or conformational differences.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Chemistry*
  • Chickens
  • Dogs
  • Epitopes / analysis*
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Humans
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Myelin Basic Protein / immunology
  • Myelin Basic Protein / isolation & purification*
  • Rabbits
  • Rats
  • Sheep
  • Species Specificity
  • Swine
  • Turtles

Substances

  • Epitopes
  • Myelin Basic Protein