CHARACTERIZATION OF SCHIFF-POSITIVE SUBSTANCES IN ELASTIC FIBERS

Schiff-positive substances in clastic fibers have been separated on the basis of differences in reactivity with the reagent. Alkali-treated ligamentum nuchae powder contains a cerebroside which is removed by chloroform or pyridine. Also present are a plasmalogen-like compound which depends upon its unsaturated component for its reactivity, and a substance whose Schiff positivity is negated by prior treatment with iodine; both reactants are resistant to extraction techniques. Mercuric chloride or enzymatic hydrolysis releases an unsaturated fatty material, probably the aldehydic component of the clastin-bound plasmalogen-like compound. Elastin powder which has been treated with phenylhydrazine, iodine and bromine still gives a positive reaction with fuchsin-sulfurous acid. Rat aortic clastica, like ligamentum nuchac, contains a non-extractable plasmalogen like compound whose reactivity with Schiff's reagent depends Upon unsaturation in the molecule. Staining intensity is reduced by prior chloroform extraction, suggesting a glycolipid as was demonstrated for ligamentum nuchae.