Rapid method for preparing a beta-glucan-specific sensitive fraction from Limulus (Tachypleus tridentatus) amebocyte lysate.

By separating Limulus amebocyte lysate by cation-exchange chromatography with an SP-Toyopearl 650C column, a fraction insensitive to endotoxin, yet specifically sensitive to beta-glucan, was successfully obtained in the unadsorbed portion. This fraction showed beta-glucan dose-dependent clotting enzyme activity, although no sensitivity to endotoxin. This beta-glucan-dependent reaction showed no interference in the presence of endotoxin, with the fraction also showing sensitivity towards various kinds of beta-glucan, i.e. curdlan, pachyman, laminaran and lichenan. The sensitivity towards curdlan was approximately 10(-10) g/ml.