W. Stöckl

Isolation of porcine colostral immunoglobulins and preparation of monospecific anti-γ, anti-α, and anti-μ chain antibodies using agarose-linked immunosorbents

A simple method for the simultaneous isolation of IgG2, IgG1, IgA and IgM from porcine colostral whey is described. It makes use of DEAE-cellulose chromatography followed by repeated Sepharose 6B exclusion chromatography after the removal of fat, casein and lipoproteins, Fused rocket immunoelectrophoresis is used to show the elution patterns of each immunoglobulin class. In addition, the prepation of monospecific anti-gamma, anti-alpha and anti-mu sera by means of agarose-linked immunoadsorbents is also described.

Rapid and efficient extraction of steroids from microlitre quantities of plasma using extrelut® mini-columns

Abstract The radioimmunoassay (RIA) of steroid hormones in body fluids normally involves extraction procedures which are both time consuming and costly with respect to special equipment (glassware, shakers, centrifuges etc.). The extraction stages can be omitted when direct RIA is used, but then highly specific antisera are required and only relatively high concentrations of steroids can be measured. Recently, as an alternative to conventional extraction procedures, the use was proposed [1] of columns of granular Kieselgur (Extrelut ®, Merck). We have modified such an extraction method using mini-columns of Extrelut®, and have tested the reliability and repeatability of this extraction method with respect to several steroids. Our findings are reported below.

Untersuchungen über die Verteilung der β-N-Acetylhexosaminidase im Nebenhoden des Hengstes

The localization of beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase activity in 6 different segments of the epididymis was investigated in 8 stallions using biochemical and histochemical methods. The highest enzyme activity was found in segment D while the other segments displayed a much weaker reaction There was no or only low enzyme activity present in the epididymal fluid of the proximal 3 segments, whereas it was high in the distal 3 segments. The biological function of beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase in the epididymis is discussed briefly.

In vitro conversion of steroid hormones in bovine ovarian follicles.

In bovine ovarian follicles an in vitro conversion of androstenedione and oestrone into oestradiol-17β, and of oestradiol-17β into oestrone was observed. There was no in vitro conversion of pregnenolone, progesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone and testosterone.

Effect of immunization of male rabbits against androstenedione.

After active immunization of male rabbits against androstenedione and with increasing antibody titre the concentration of androstenedione and testosterone in peripheral blood increased more than 1000-fold resp. 20-fold above values of control animals. On histological examination of the testes a marked Leydigs cell hyperplasia was found, though there was no difference in testis weight.