Factor-VIII-related antigen: multiple molecular forms in human plasma.

Analysis of Factor-VIII-related antigen (vWAg) in normal plasma by crossed immunoelectrophoresis reveals an asymmetric pattern indicative of molecular heterogeneity. This asymmetric pattern apparently results from the presence of multiple molecular forms of VWAg with distinct, though partially overlapping, mobilities on crossed immunoelectrophoresis. Evidence for this conclusion has been obtained by separating these forms, one from another, utilizing cryoprecipitation, agarose gel chromatography, and ion-exchange chromatography. Variation in the relative destribution of VWAg forms in liver disease and disseminated intravascular coagulation suggests that the processes which govern generation and/or breakdown of these forms can be altered by disease.