A rapid method to visualize von Willebrand Factor multimers by using agarose gel electrophoresis, immunolocalization and luminographic detection

A highly sensitive and rapid clinical method for the visualization of the m ultimeric structure of von Willebrand Factor in plasma and platelets is des cribed. The method utilizes submerged horizontal agarose gel electrophoresi s, followed by transfer of the von Willebrand Factor onto a polyvinylidine fluoride membrane, and immunolocalization and luminographic visualization o f the von Willebrand Factor multimeric pattern. This method distinguishes t ype 1 from types 2A and 2B von Willebrand disease, allowing timely evaluati on and classification of von Willebrand Factor in patient plasma. It also a llows visualization of the unusually high molecular weight multimers presen t in platelets. There are several major advantages to this method including rapid processing, simplicity of gel preparation, high sensitivity to low c oncentrations of von Willebrand Factor, and elimination of radioactivity. ( C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.