Characterization and quantification of mink serum amyloid A protein using two-dimensional electrophoresis with immobilized pH gradients.

Using hydrophobic interaction chromatography, two-dimensional electrophoresis with an immobilized pH gradient in the first dimension and semidry blotting, three isoforms of mink serum amyloid A protein (SAA) were characterized and studied during chronic inflammation. Compared to conventional methods that have been applied to SAA, the major advantages of the present combination of methods are: (i) use of small serum volumes, (ii) rapid extraction, (iii) high resolution, and (iv) high yield of proteins.