STUDIES ON GLUCAGON I-131 IN NORMAL AND IMMUNE SERUM.

Abstract No specific carrier protein for glucagon I 131 could be demonstrated in normal human serum or normal rabbit serum by the use of agar immunoelectrophoresis, a technique by which protein carriers for other hormones have been shown. It appears highly unlikely that glucagon is complexed to a protein in normal serum. Rabbit antibodies to beef glucagon were found to be of two types, one a typical gamma globulin and the other a beta-2A or beta-2M globulin. The antibody in the beta globulin was demonstrated to be thermolabile at 60 °C. The resemblance of this response to that seen with insulin is discussed. Antibodies to beef or pork glucagon could not be demonstrated in the serum of three subjects who had been treated with these hormones for extended periods.