DETECTION IN NORMAL URINE OF PROTEIN RESEMBLING BENCE JONES PROTEIN

Abstract

In attempts to detect micro-amounts of Bence Jones proteins, advantage was taken of reports that all such proteins react with antisera to serum gamma globulins. Experiments were conducted so that protein detected by reaction with such an antiserum could be further characterized by heat stability at 55[degree] C, solubility at 98[degree] C, and diffusion coefficients. Protein was found in normal urine resembling Bence Jones protein in reacting with antibodies to gamma globulin, having a similar diffusion coefficient and a high solubility at 98[degree] C. Studies after heating at 55[degree] C were incon- clusive, but consistent with a further resemblance to Bence Jones protein in rate of denaturation at this temperature. Two preliminary experiments provided information on the behavior of serum gamma globulins and Bence Jones proteins at 55[degree] C and 98[degree] C; evidence was obtained that heat denaturation of Bence Jones proteins may be largely reversible.