Studies on the Isolation of Rheumatoid Factor

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Abstract
A detail analysis was made of methods previously used in attempts to isolate rheumatoid factor, including euglobulin precipitation, DEAE cellulose chromatography, zone centrifugation, and Cohn type low-temperature ethanol fractionation procedures. The recovery of serological activity and increases in specific activity were determined. The degree of resolution of the different techniques was investigated by ultracentrifugal and immunological methods. The most efficient way of preparing rheumatoid factor in a fairly pure state appears to be euglobulin precipitation by water dilution followed by zone centrifugation. Methods involving euglobulin precipitation by prolonged dialysis against water or the addition of saturated ammonium sulphate, DEAE cellulose chromatography, and concentration procedures, such as ultrafiltration and carbowax (polyethylene glycol) techniques, were found to result in a considerable loss of serological activity. With the techniques used to date it was not possible to resolve rheumatoid factor and 19S gamma-globulin.