Immunoglobulins as glycoproteins. I. Determination of neutral sugars and hexosamines in bovine gamma globulin by gas-liquid chromatography

Glycosylation of IgG, immune complexes and IgG subclasses in the MRL-lpr/lpr mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis

The MRL-lpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) mouse spontaneously develops a disease syndrome which, in many respects, is similar to human rheumatoid arthritis. These mice developed joint inflammation, circulating rheumatoid factors and immune complexes. We now show that the parallel with human disease extends to a glycosylation defect which is observed on IgG from rheumatoid arthritis patients. Using the lectins ricin and Bandeiraea simplicifolia II we have found that terminal N-acetylglucosamine is clearly raised in MRL/lpr IgG. Increased exposure of galactose was also detected, indicating that a second glycosylation site must be present on these molecules. Polyethylene glycol-precipitated IgG complexes bound significantly more of each lectin than did free IgG, indicating that the changes in glycosylation were associated with complex formation. The sugar abnormality was most marked in the IgG2a/IgG3 fraction from protein A IgG subclass chromatography. Our results suggest that the IgG glycosylation defect seen in rheumatoid arthritis is apparent in the MRL/lpr mouse and may contribute, through complex formation, to the pathological processes in the rheumatoid syndrome.

An assessment of methanolysis and other factors used in the analysis of carbohydrate-containing materials

The stability of monosaccharides in methanolic hydrochloric acid of different strengths and at different temperatures was determined. They are generally stable for 24h in methanolic 1m- and 2m-hydrochloric acid at both 85 degrees C and 100 degrees C, but undergo considerable destruction in methanolic 4m- and 6m-hydrochloric acid at 100 degrees C. Analysis of glycopeptides and oligosaccharides of known composition showed that release of carbohydrate was complete within 3h in methanolic 1m-hydrochloric acid at 85 degrees C. Removal of methanolic hydrochloric acid by rotary evaporation resulted in considerable losses of monosaccharides, which could be prevented by prior neutralization. Methanolysis caused extensive de-N-acetylation of acetamidohexoses, so that a re-N-acetylation step is necessary in the analytical procedure. The addition of acetic anhydride for this purpose also prevented loss of internal standard by adsorption on the insoluble silver salts used in neutralization. Several trimethylsilylating agents were studied and suitable conditions are recommended. The effects on the analytical system of water and some common organic and inorganic contaminants are assessed.