Summary
Preparations of normal human antihemophilic factor (AHF, factor VIII) obtained by
continuous free electrophoresis in the “Elphor” apparatus, were investigated for enzymatic
activity on various substrates. A number of enzymatic activities could be excluded
by screening tests, performed with fraction I of Cohn. In some preparations esterase-activity
was demonstrable on the substrates benzoyl-arginyl-ethylester (BAEE) and on glycerol
tributyrate. There was, however, no correlation between these esterase-activities
and the AHF-activity in the preparations. Moreover, the stability of the esterase
at 4° C was much greater than the stability of the AHF-activity. We therefore assume
that the AHF has no enzymatic activity on these substrates under the conditions of
the tests. Attempts to activate AHF by calcium, magnesium or serum, were unsuccessful.
Both esterase-activities were also present in fraction I of Cohn prepared from normal
human citrated or resin plasma. The esterase-activity on BAEE is removed from resin
plasma by adsorption to barium sulphate. The esterase-activity on glycerol tributyrate
is not adsorbed.