Abnormal embryonic development induced by antiserum: a rapid method to isolate the responsible galactoprotein antigens.

It has been well established that heterologous antiserum against whole rat kidney homogenate when injected into pregnant rats during the organogenetic period may induce abnormal embryonic development. A one-step rapid method has been developed to isolate the responsible rat renal antigens by lectin-affinity chromatography using soy bean agglutinin (SBA) or ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA120). The purified antigens appeared to be galactoproteins with terminal nonreducing D-galactose and/or N-acetyl-D-galactosamine. Rabbit antisera produced against the galactoproteins were potent teratogenic agents.