title: Extraction of inner ear antigens for studies in inner ear autoimmunity.
abstract: The search for a diagnostic assay in patients with autoimmune inner ear disease has led to the preparation of antigens from the inner ear, a presumed target in this disorder. In order to standardize the antigen preparations currently being used in the Western blot immunoassay, we have examined several distinct extraction procedures that employ well-known solutions and detergents. Results of this investigation clearly show that antigens of interest (68 kd, 33 to 35 kd, and 32 kd) are optimally extracted with a detergent (0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate) and that bovine serum albumin, a potential contaminant, can be removed in the water-soluble fractions. Purification of inner ear antigens by these methods will lead to more reproducible results in immunoblotting, as well as a greater opportunity to identify the mechanisms involved in autoimmune inner ear disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego Medical Center.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yamanobe
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Harris
mesh_terms: D000941:Antigens / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015153:Blotting, Western; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000276:immunology*; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007759:Labyrinth Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000941:Antigens