MULTIPLE FORMS OF PROSTATIC ACID PHOSPHATASE

Abstract

Human prostatic fluid and prostate extract were examined for prostatic acid phosphatase by means of gel diffusion precipitation, using rabbit antisera. Specific staining for phosphatase was performed on the antigen-antibody precipitation lines. Three major and 2 minor bands, staining for phosphatase, were detected one of the major bands was shown to correspond to a non-specific precipitate. Of the 4 specific precipitates, one was found only for fluid, but not for extract. The staining of all of the precipitates was inhibited by the presence of tartrate, confirming the identity of the antigen as prostatic-type phosphatase.