In immunoelectrophoresis against human milk a single precipitin line is obtained. The antiserum does not react with any other protein component of human serum or plasma. Cross-reactivity: The antiserum does not cross-react with any other human plasma proteins as tested in gel-diffusion techniques. Inter-species cross-reactivity is a normal feature of antibodies to plasma or milk proteins, since homologous proteins of different species frequently share antigenic determinants. Cross-reactivity of this antiserum has not been tested in detail, however in double radial immunodiffusion a reaction with Rhesus monkey milk has been observed.
Hyperimmune antisera with strong precipitating activity are selected for Fractionation and purification of the IgG fraction containing the bulk of the defined antibody specificity.
Immunogène
The immunogen has been isolated from human milk. Freund’s complete adjuvant is used in the first step of the immunization procedure.
Exocrine organs produce various secretions, each with its characteristic function. Proteins found in secretions may be divided into two groups: those specific for the particular secretion, and plasma proteins independent of the type of exocrine cells. Lactoferrin belongs to the first group. It is an iron containing protein with a molecular weight of 75,000 and it is antigenically different from transferrin. Lactoferrin has a slight antimicrobial action. Originally identified in milk, its presence has also been demonstrated in other secretions as saliva, semen and tears.Synonyms: EC=3.4.21, LF, LTF, Lactoferrin, Talalactoferrin