FURTHER CHARACTERIZATION OF AMYLOID-ENHANCING FACTOR

Abstract

Amyloid-enhancing factor (AEF) is a transferable activity that in CBA/J mice reduces the induction time of splenic amyloid deposition to 48 h. Azocasein or AgNo3, can induce AEF in the spleen and liver. In the liver several subcellular organelles possess this activity. This may be due to AEF adherent properties. AEF is most effective when given by the i.v. route. After i.v. injection, AEF particulates localized to the perifollicular areas of the spleen and Kuppfer cells in the liver. The effects of AEF administration persists for at least 4 wk. AEF can be solubilized in 4 M glycerol, is not the amyloid A protein and is not likely to be the serum amyloid P component. The extract can be fractionated by Sepharose 4B column chromatography. The active component is of high MW, and tentative identification by disc electrophoresis was made.