The high molecular weight nerve growth factor complex from Mastomys natalensis differs from the murine nerve growth factor complex.

Both the male and the female of Mastomys natalensis, an African rat, have high levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) in their submaxillary glands. Mastomys high molecular weight (HMW) NGF was purified by gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography and was compared with HMW NGF from the male mouse submaxillary gland. Mastomys HMW NGF sediments as a 5S species, does not exhibit esterase activity, and is more difficult to dissociate at acid pH …