Gel filtration (sepharose 2B CL) patterns of factor VIII coagulant antigen (VIIIC
:Ag) and factor VIII related antigen (VIIIR: Ag) were obtained using normal plasma
and plasma from patients with von Willebrand’s disease. The latter group consisted
of five individuals with normal mobility of factor VIIIR :Ag on cross-immunoelectrophoresis
(Type I) and five others with abnormal (increased) mobility (Type II). Results showed
that the elution of VIIIC: Ag was delayed in those subjects whose ratio of VIIIR :Ag
to VIIIC :Ag was reduced. It has previously been reported that VIIIR :Ag exerts a
stabilizing influence on the coagulant activity of factor VIII (VIII: C); our data
suggests that when VIIIR :Ag is deficient, abnormal (low molecular weight) forms of
VIIIC: Ag circulate.
Keywords
VIII coagulant antigen - von Willebrand’s disease
