beta-2-microglobulin. Quantitation by rocket immunoelectrophoresis and evaluation of serum levels in renal transplant patients.

An assay using Laurell rocket immunoelectrophoresis has been developed for quantitation of beta-2-microglobulin (beta 2m) and serial levels of beta 2m have been measured in sera obtained daily from 52 patients following renal transplantation. The RIEP assay was performed using 1% low-endosmosis agarose gels containing 4% polyethylene glycol 6000 and the IgG fraction of rabbit antihuman beta 2m. Elevated beta 2m levels pretransplant fell markedly in the first 48 hr posttransplant in all patients with primary functioning grafts. Base-line control values for serum beta 2m were obtained in patients when stable graft function was established. Serum beta 2m levels increased during renal graft rejection, and significant elevations of serum beta 2m were detected at the onset of all graft rejection episodes as compared with control values. It is suggested that serum beta 2m quantitation by rocket immunoelectrophoresis is a simple and valuable assay to assess posttransplant renal graft function.