Affinity fractionation and characterization of chick brain synaptosomes
Sharma, S.K.; Bradford, S.; Babitch, J.A.; Couch, E.F.
European Journal of Cell Biology 40(1): 44-52
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0171-9335 PMID: 3699045 Document Number: 274971
Chick brain synaptosomes were fractionated by affinity chromatography on concanavalin A-Sepharose. Three subfractions were obtained. One, designated UBF, was not bound to the affinity adsorbent and represented 36% of the total synaptosomal protein treated with the beads. A second fraction, designated BF1, adhered to concanavalin A-Sepharose exclusively through its carbohydrate recognition site. The third fraction, called BF2, bound to the beads through hydrophobic interactions and represented about 20% of the total synaptosomal protein. About 20% of the total synaptosomal protein was found to be retarded on three ligand-less gels, with potential for only hydrophobic interactions. This binding can be reversed, however, by ethylene glycol, a result indicating hydrophobic binding sites on the synaptosomes. Enzyme marker studies and electron microscopy showed differences between UBF, BF1, and BF2, mainly with respect to mitochondrial contamination. Binding studies with [3H]-Con A show the absence of Con A-specific carbohydrates from the surface of UBF or BF2. As expected strong and specific binding between [3H]-Con A and [3H] BF1 was observed. These findings are discussed in relation to a model for the interior working of the synaptosomes.