[Isolation and immunochemical analysis of the breakdown products of gammaG-globulin contained in the serum of partially hepatectomized rabbits].

As demonstrated by immunochemical methods, the serum of partially hepatectomized rabbits contained a Fab-like fragment of IgG. This fragment was isolated by fractionation of the serum on CM-cellulose following affinity chromatography on Sepharose coated with antibodies against rabbit IgG. The sedimentation constant of the Fab-like fragment was 5.2 S; complete antigenic identity to pepsin F (ab')2 fragment was thus demonstrated. No Fab-like fragment was shown in the serum of sham-operated animals, or in the serum of partially hepatectomized rabbits injected with protease inhibitor Trasilol before and after the operation. It was concluded that Fab-like fragment found in the partially hepatectomized rabbits appeared as a result of splitting the autologous IgG with protease(s) from cells of the liver injured during the operation.