ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN-G AND IGG SUBCLASSESOF THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT (LOXODONTA-AFRICANA)

Immunoglobulins were precipitated from pooled African elephant sera wi th ammonium sulphate and separated by gel filtration and fast protein liquid chromatography (ion exchange). Analysis of the fractions by SDS -PAGE showed IgG of 150 kDa with up to five subclasses, each having he avy chains of 57 kDa and light chains of 27 kDa. Three monoclonal anti bodies against human IgG and polyclonal antibodies against canine, bov ine, cameline, equine, phocine and feline IgG showed strong cross-reac tivity with the African elephant IgG subclasses. No serum molecules co rresponding to IgM or IgA could be detected, even when ammonium sulpha te precipitation was used at 50% saturation. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.