SDS GEL ELECTROPHORESIS OF RAPIDLY TRANSPORTED PROTEINS IN GARFISH OLFACTORY NERVE

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Abstract
Abstract— Proteins undergoing rapid axonal transport in the garfish olfactory nerve were examined by sodium dodecyl sulphate gel electrophoresis. The distribution of polypeptides and the extent of their labeling by transported molecules was determined in several nerve subfractions including: total particulate, total membrane, mitochondrial and two membrane subfractions rich in axolemma. The polypeptide composition of the various fractions was found to be relatively similar, with each showing a major protein with an estimated MW of 58,000. Specific differences in the concentrations of certain proteins were noted between fractions, including differences between the lower and higher density axolemma rich subfractions. Axonally transported radioactivity was predominantly localized among high molecular weight proteins, with all fractions, except mitochondrial pellet, displaying a major peak of radioactivity centered at 126,000‐MW. Several major proteins including the 58,000‐MW band were labeled by rapid transport to a much smaller extent. Certain labeled peaks were found to be concentrated in individual fractions, particularly a polypeptide (MW 35,000) more predominantly found in the lower density axolemma rich fraction.Systemic labeling of the nerve is found to give a general distribution of radioactivity on gels, which is clearly different from the pattern obtained after axonal transport labeling.