title: A new immunochemical purity test for clinical dextran. Methodology and studies on clinical dextran preparations.
abstract: A simple immunochemical procedure, based on reversed single radial immunodiffusion (RSRI) was developed to detect commonly occurring traces of antigenic contaminants in clinical dextran. High-titred antisera against non-dextran components of Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B512 were produced and served as analytical reagents. Dextran samples were incorporated into a gel layer. Presence of contaminants is revealed by precipitate formation following application of antiserum to a well cut into the gel. Antigenic contaminants can be detected in concentrations exceeding 10 ppm by the Leuconostoc-RSRI test. Screen results on 119 clinical dextran samples from manufactures in different countries disclosed presence of antigen traces in 82% of preparations. Introduction of the new test and improved purification measures at Pharmacia AB resulted in purer clinical dextran with negative RSRI test scores in 99% of batches produced. Only batches passing this test are released for clinical use. Although no direct correlation was found between contaminant levels and incidence of dextran reactions, antigenic contaminants may play a contributory role in elicitation of mild reactions.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies; D000941:Antigens; D011232:Chemical Precipitation; D003911:Dextrans / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006386:Hemagglutination Tests; D006801:Humans; D007106:Immune Sera / Q000494:pharmacology; D005779:Immunodiffusion / Q000379:methods; D007934:Leuconostoc / Q000276:immunology; D010323:Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis; D011817:Rabbits; D012756:Sheep
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D000941:Antigens; D003911:Dextrans; D007106:Immune Sera