Immunogen |
Exocrine organs produce various secretions, each with its characteristic function. Proteins found in secretions may be divided into two groups: those specific for the particular secretion, and plasma proteins independent of the type of exocrine cells. Lactoferrin belongs to the first group. It is an iron containing protein with a molecular weight of 75,000 and it is antigenically different from transferrin. Lactoferrin has a slight anti-microbial action. Originally identified in milk, its presence has also been demonstrated in other secretions as saliva, semen and tears. The immunogen has been isolated from rhesus monkey milk. Freund’s complete adjuvant is used in the first step of the immunization procedure. |