Abstract
This chapter describes the detection and characterization of α-macroglobulins (αMs). The chapter discusses the procedures appropriate for the identification, isolation, characterization, elimination, and the use of αMs. αMs are large proteins that bind proteinases, by decreasing their activity on protein substrates. Proteins with the special proteinase-binding characteristics of αMs are well represented in advanced animal phyla, wherein they are located primarily in the circulatory fluids, often at very high concentrations. It is not known whether αMs regulate the coagulation proteinases of modern arthropods and molluscs, nor is it clear whether they regulate the coagulation, fibrinolytic, or complement proteinases of advanced animals. Purification of αMs is accomplished by a combination of standard chromatographic techniques, often incorporating a gel-filtration step to take advantage of the large size of the proteins. It is not known whether αMs regulate the coagulation proteinases of modern arthropods and molluscs, nor is it clear whether they regulate the coagulation, fibrinolytic, or complement proteinases of advanced animals.
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