Anti-Von Willebrand Factor (vWF)

Von Willebrand Factor (vWF, also previously referred to as Factor VIII related antigen) is a large adhesive protein produced in endothelial cells and megakaryocytes. There are two critical functions of vWF, the first being its involvement in the process of platelet adhesion and aggregation through interaction with platelet receptor glycoprotein Ib, the second being the binding and stabilization of Factor VIII (antihemophilic factor) for secretion and transport in plasma. The vWF precursor protein is synthesized with a 95kD propeptide (also known as vWF antigen-II), believed to be involved in the intracellular multimerization of the vWF subunits. The mature vWF multimers are then packed into storage organelles within the cell (Weibel-Palade bodies) after which the propeptide is cleaved and released. vWF circulates as multimers of disulfide linked 220kD subunits and the molecular weight of these multimers ranges from 0.5-20 million daltons., The plasma concentration of vWF is typically 10ug/ml, but increased levels are often observed in pregnancy and other conditions of physiological stress. von Willebrand's disease (vWD) is perhaps the most common inherited bleeding disorder in humans and is the result of either quantitative deficiencies of vWF (vWD Types I & III), or one of a number of qualitative disorders of vWF structure and function (vWD Type II). Applications: Suitable for use in Immunoelectrophoresis and ELISA, and as a source of antibodies to vWF. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilutions: Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for 12 months. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.