Sedimentation analysis of von Willebrand and factor VIIIC protein using partition cells in the analytical ultracentrifuge

Sedimentation analysis of factor VIII complex was performed in the analytical ultracentrifuge using partition cells. This method allowed for the calculation of three different sedimentation coefficients from each run: one based on ristocetin agglutination activity for von Willebrand protein, SWF; one based on coagulant activity for factor VIIIC, SVIIIC; and one based on the schlieren or adsorption data for protein concentration, Sconc. In most cases, there was no agreement between the three values calculated from the same run, indicating a heterogeneous system. The calculated functional sedimentation coefficients give values that require the molecules to be highly asymmetric to be consistent with a glycoprotein of high molecular weight, which is in agreement with results observed in electron microscope studies. The dissociation of VIIIC into a smaller form can be demonstrated by this method. Determination of the three sedimentation coefficients in a series of fractions from gel filtration indicates a uniform size for the VIIIC activity but not for the WF activity. These observations are in agreement with the concept of a copolymer between WF and VIIIC and also with the concept of separate polymers for the two activities.