[Antigens of human peripheral nerves].

The antigens of the peripheral nerves in man were studied by immuno and physicochemical methods. The composition of the peripheral nerves was shown to include antigens of wide specificity which can be found in many organs and tissues of the body. Moreover, antigens of narrow specificity (of the peripheral and the central nervous system) and a specific antigen of the peripheral nerves were identified. Separate peripheral nerves do not differ from each other according to the specific antigens. The specific antigen is thermostable, resistant to the acids and urea and does not fall into sedimentation at 100% saturation with ammonium sulphite. By electrophoretic mobility (similar to serum gamma-globulins) it belongs to cathode proteins. In accordance to its properties, it is designated as a gamma-neurospecific antigen (gamma-NSA).