Electrophoretical studies on serum lipoprotein fractions in normal dogs.

Abstract

The present studies were undertaken to obtain data on serum lipoprotein analysis which would serve as normal references for studies on serum lipoproteins in diseased dogs, especially those with canine dirofilariasis. Serum samples were collected from 35 normal dogs of various ages proved to be free from Dirofilaria immitis (filaria) by the routine physical checkup and laboratory examination. They were analyzed for lipoproteins by cellulose acetate electrophoresis (electrophoresis). The serum lipoproteins were obtained basically as four distinct fractions, i.e., α-, pre-β-, β-lipoprotein and chylomicron fractions. The last-named fraction was only in trace quantities. It was presumed that the four fractions might have a density of 1.063<1.210, 1.006<1.019, 1.019<1.063 and <1.006, resptctively, as estimated from the electromigration velocities (mobilities) of other samples which had been separated ultracentrifugally. The mobility of the pre-β-lipoprotein fraction, however, varied with the serum sample, possibly due to the difference in the quantity of lipids bound to this fraction of serum lipoproteins. On the basis of analytical data on the 35 normal dogs, the normal percentage composition (relative proportion) of the serum lipoprotein fractions was investigated in dogs. Furthermore, the concentrations of these fractions in the serum were calculated from data on the total serum lipid content, the percentage composition of the serum lipoprotein fractions, and the amounts of lipids bound to the lipoprotein fractions obtained from 25 of the 35 dogs in order to clarify the normal ranges.