Solubilization of Antigens of Fasciola hepatica Which React with Antibodies to Schistosoma mansoni

Abstract

Extracts of F. hepatica adult worms contain antigens [Ag] reactive with [rabbit] antisera prepared against S. mansoni adult worms. These Ag are poorly solubilized when homogenized in a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution and pellet readily when subjected to high speed centrifugation. Solubilization is improved greatly by the addition of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) (0.03%) to PBS. When this is done, approximately the same total amount of crude Lowry reactive material is obtained as with PBS extraction followed by high speed centrifugation, but antigenic reactivity to an anti-S. mansoni antiserum increases enormously. The Ag liberated from F. hepatica SDS extraction are largely materials under 200,000 MW and over 60,000 MW.