| Abstract: | Physicochemical studies of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) revealed a clear cut difference between e1 and e2 antigen. The e1 antigen was found to have a MW of Ca 150,000 and a pI of 6.4-7.2, whereas both the MW and pI of the e2 antigen were heterogeneous depending upon the source of serum. Sera obtained from asymptomatic carriers were characterized by low titers of HBs antigen, HBc antigen and DNA polymerase and contained e2 antigen of larger molecular weight (200,000-300,000) with a narrow distribution range and a pI of 4.8 to 5.2 (type 1). On the other hand, the sera from patients in a hemodialysis unit who were HBs antigen carriers and had high titers of HBs antigen, HBc antigen and DNA polymerase contained e2 antigen of heterogeneous distribution in MW (from 300,000 to 70,000) and pI (type 2 and 3). The e2 antigen obtained from the higher MW type 3 serum had lower isoelectric points (pI 4.5 to 5.2) as was the case with e2 antigen obtained from asymptomatic carriers whereas relatively wide range of isoelectric points (pI 5.1 to 8.2) was found with the lower molecular weight e2 antigen. |
