Abstract
Proteins as well as other macromolecular constituents of biological tissue may be separated by electrophoresis on starch gel, and the resulting gel samples may be stained for a variety of substances including protein, mucoid, and enzymes such as esterases, phosphatases, and dehydrogenases. The variability of these patterns from serum, erythrocyte, lung, and lymph node specimens is correctable to previous inhalation exposure of the host to toxic substances such as beryllium compounds, as well as to aerosols of radioisotopes. General urban air pollution, when compared to filtered air, caused no consistent effect. Development of pulmonary pathology sustained in response to such exposures is evidenced by disappearance or de novo appearance of certain isozyme bands. Applicability of the method to the study of the pathogenesis, toxicological mechanism, and diagnosis of the pneumoconioses appears to have considerable potential.