Heavy-density particles of Australia antigen detected in a human plasma pool.

SHIRACHI , R., SLTKENO, N., UMMENAT, T. and ISRIDA, N. Heavy-density Particles of Australia Antigen Detected in a Human Plasma Pool. Tohoku J. exp. Med., 1972, 107 (4), 359-365„ŸBiophysical study of Australia antigen (Au) was made with 5 specimens including 3 plasmas and 2 plasma pools which had been known to be Au carriers. A fraction which could be detected both by comple ment fixation test and by Ouchterlony double diffusion test was obtained with all of the specimens and this could be banded at a buoyant density of 1.21-1.23 g/cm3 in CsCl. In addition, another fraction with a buoyant density of 1.28 g/ cm3 was recovered from one of the plasma pools. This fraction was detected, however, only by complement fixation test. Electron microscopic study of the latter fraction revealed small particles about 3-4 mƒÊ in diameter, suggesting subunits of known Au antigen particles. hepatitis; Au antigen