Osmotic concentration of polypeptides from hemofiltrate of uremic patients.

Hemofiltrate from uremic patients was concentrated 15- to 40-fold by osmotic removal of water across a reverse osmosis membrane which retains salts and proteins. Salts and low molecular weight components were removed from the concentrate by partial dialysis using a highly impermeable cellulose membrane. Following this desalting step, 100- to 500-fold concentration could be achieved by evaporation at low pressure. The concentrate was fractionated on Sephadex G15 columns. Fractions were tested for their toxicity to human cells in culture. Fractions containing components with molecular weights greater than 700 daltons inhibited 3H-thymidine incorporation into the DNA of HeLa and skin fibroblast cells more than did low molecular weight peptides and an iso-osmolar control. Components eluting in the molecular weight range of angiotensin I and vitamin B-12 were most inhibitory. These studies show that hemofiltrate from uremic patients is a readily available source of toxic polypeptides. The osmotic concentration and gel chromatographic procedures described should make available large amounts of these molecules for further studies.