Apolipoprotein Al, All, and AIV Isoforms in Plasma Determined by Automated Isoelectric Focusing with PhastSystemTMand Immu not ixation

been shown to influence concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The genetic polymorphism of apo AIV may modulate HDL-cholesterol, plasma triglyc-erides, and lipoprotein(a) concentrations. There is evi-dence for an antagonizing role of apo All in reverse cho-lesterol transport. Since genetic polymorphisms and variants of these apolipoproteins are detectable by iso-electric focusing (IEF), we developed a rapid and easy automated method for IEF analysis of apos Al, All, and AIV on self-made or commercially available gels, using the PhastSystem”. Diluted plasma or serum samples (1 pL) are applied automatically onto the gel and IEF is carried out for 35-45 mm. Afterwards, the apo A bands are precipitated by specific polyclonal antibodies and vi-sualized by automated silver staining. This rapid proce