Γ-globulin Concentration Research Articles

NATURAL RESISTANCE OF HORSES OF GUTSUL BREED FROM THE POKUTTYA CARPATHIANS

NATURAL RESISTANCE OF HORSES OF GUTSUL BREED FROM THE POKUTTYA CARPATHIANS

A highly sensitive “turn-on” fluorescent probe with an aggregation-induced emission characteristic for quantitative detection of γ-globulin

As a novel “turn on” fluorescent probe, 4-((1Z,3Z)-1,4-bis(4-(methoxycarbonyl)phenyl)-4-(pyridin-4-yl)buta-1,3-dien-1-yl)-1-methylpyridin-1-ium hexafluorophosphate (TABD-Py-PF6) with an aggregation-induced emission characteristic was synthesized for in-situ quantitation of γ-globulins in the blood serum. It was shown that the TABD-Py-PF6 probe was highly specific for γ-globulins and that other components in the blood serum, including serum albumins, fibrinogen, glucose, urea, and cholesterol, barely interfered with the molecular interactions between TABD-Py-PF6 and γ-globulins. The high specificity of this probe enabled in-situ quantitative detection of γ-globulins without isolation of γ-globulins from the blood serum. The fluorescence intensity of TABD-Py-PF6 was linearly correlated with the concentration of γ-globulins in the ranges of 7.89−300μg/mL. The detection limit of γ-globulins was determined to be 7.89μg/mL. The fluorescence response time of TABD-Py-PF6 for detecting γ-globulins was very short (below 5s), allowing for real-time detection. The mechanism of the fluorescent turn-on behavior of the TABD-Py-PF6 probe was investigated and electrostatic interactions between TABD-Py-PF6 and γ-globulins were identified.

Frequency of electrophoretic changes consistent with feline infectious peritonitis in two different time periods (2004-2009 vs 2013-2014).

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the frequency of electrophoretic changes in serum of cats with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) changed in recent years vs past years. Methods Agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) and capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) from cats with FIP and healthy cats recorded in the periods 2004-2009 and 2013-2014 were retrospectively analysed. Relative and absolute values of each electrophoretic fraction were recorded and the number of cats showing single or combined electrophoretic changes consistent with FIP (hypoalbuminaemia, inverted albumin to globulin [A:G] ratio, increased total protein, total globulin, alpha [α]2-globulin and gamma [γ]-globulin concentration) were counted. Additionally, a visual analysis of electrophoretograms was also performed. Results for the two time periods were statistically compared. Results The details of 91 AGE procedures (41 from cats with FIP and 50 from healthy cats) and 45 CZE procedures (26 from cats with FIP and 19 from healthy cats) were obtained from the database. No significant differences between the two time periods were found both in FIP and in healthy cats analysed with CZE and in healthy cats analysed with AGE. Compared with 2004-2009, cats with FIP sampled in 2013-2014 with AGE showed a significantly lower concentration of total protein, γ-globulins and total globulins, and a significantly higher A:G ratio and percentage of albumin and α2-globulins. Using both AGE and CZE, in recent years the proportion of cats with high α2-globulins without gammopathy and the proportion of cats with gammopathy alone decreased. With a visual approach, the number of patterns considered as dubious increased in the second period with AGE (non-statistically significant). Conclusions and relevance The frequency of electrophoretic abnormalities in cats with FIP decreased in recent years, independently of the technique employed. Although the mechanism responsible for this change was not investigated in this study, this altered frequency may decrease the diagnostic accuracy of serum protein electrophoresis for FIP.

Serum Free Light Chain Assay and κ/λ Ratio Performance in Patients Without Monoclonal Gammopathies: High False-Positive Rate.

Serum free light chain assay is a recommended screening test for monoclonal gammopathies. Anecdotal observations indicated a high rate of false-positive abnormal κ/λ ratios. This study was undertaken to ascertain the magnitude of the false-positive rate and factors contributing to the error rate. Results of serum protein electrophoresis, serum free light chains, and related tests, usually done for investigation of suspected monoclonal gammopathy, were reviewed retrospectively for 270 patients and 297 observations. Using the conventional κ/λ ratio, 36.4% of the ratios were abnormal, in the absence of monoclonal gammopathy. When the renal κ/λ ratio was used, the rate of abnormal κ/λ ratios was 30.1%. In patients with a γ-globulin concentration of 1.6 g/dL or more, the usual κ/λ ratio was abnormal in 54.8% of the patients. Urine protein electrophoresis was used in 53 (19.6%) instances, whereas bone marrow examination was done in 65 (24.1%) cases. Usual κ/λ ratio was abnormal in 36.4% of the observations in patients without evidence of monoclonal gammopathy, and an abnormal κ/λ ratio should not be used as the sole indicator for diagnosis of neoplastic proliferation of the lympho-plasmacytic system. Hypergammaglobulinemia is associated with a higher rate of false-positive abnormal κ/λ ratios. Examination of urine for monoclonal immunoglobulins may be underused, and recommendations by some to use serum free light chain assay in place of, rather than as an adjunct to, urine electrophoresis are not warranted.

Aged garlic extract ameliorates immunotoxicity, hematotoxicity and impaired burn-healing in malathion- and carbaryl-treated male albino rats.

Malathion and carbaryl are the most widely used organophosphate and carbamate insecticides, respectively, especially in developing countries; they pose a potential health hazard for both humans and animals. Here, we evaluated the protective effects of an odorless (free from allicin) Kyolic aged garlic extract (AGE, containing 0.1% S-allylcysteine; 200 mg/kg body weight) on the toxicity induced by 0.1 LD50 of malathion (89.5 mg/kg body weight) and/or carbaryl (33.9 mg/kg body weight) in male Wistar rats. Doses were orally administered to animals for four consecutive weeks. The present study showed that AGE completely modulated most adverse effects induced by malathion and/or carbaryl in rats including the normocytic normochromic anemia, immunosuppression, and the delay in the skin-burning healing process through normalizing the count of blood cells (erythrocytes, leucocytes and platelets), hemoglobin content, hematocrit value, blood glucose-6-phosphodehydrogenase activity, weights and cellularity of lymphoid organs, serum γ-globulin concentration, and the delayed type of hypersensitivity response to the control values, and accelerating the inflammatory and proliferative phases of burn-healing. In addition, AGE completely modulated the decrease in serum reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration and the increase in clotting time in malathion alone and carbaryl alone treated rats. Moreover, AGE induced a significant increase (P < 0.001) in serum GSH concentration (above the normal value) and accelerating burn-healing process in healthy rats. In conclusion, AGE was effective in modulating most adverse effects induced in rats by malathion and carbaryl, and hence may be useful as a dietary adjunct for alleviating the toxicity in highly vulnerable people to insecticides intoxication. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 789-798, 2017.

Characteristics of synovial fluid required for optimization of lubrication fluid for biotribological experiments.

Wear testing of total joint replacement (TJR) is mandatory in preclinical testing before implantation of TJR into the human body. Testing is governed by current international standards that recommend bovine serum (BS) as a lubricating fluid to replace synovial fluid (SF). Recently, the use of BS has been criticized because of differences in content, fluid characteristics, and nonhuman origin. As a result, a more realistic lubricant mimicking SF is needed. To define SF composition, we analyzed SF obtained during revisions of total hip and knee arthroplasties and compared it with SF obtained during primary arthroplasties and from patients without TJR. Samples were acquired from 152 patients. We found that the median total protein concentration for all SF was 36.8 mg/mL, which is significantly higher than concentrations currently recommended by the ISO standards. The γ-globulin concentration was significantly higher and the phospholipid concentration significantly lower in patients with revision of TJR compared with patients without TJR. No significant difference was found in hyaluronic acid concentration and viscosity among the groups. Our results support the need to improve the definition of a more clinically relevant wear testing lubricant in the ISO standards. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 1422-1431, 2017.

Serum Protein Electrophoretic Pattern in Goat Kids after Colostrum Intake during the First Week of Life

Serum Protein Electrophoretic Pattern in Goat Kids after Colostrum Intake during the First Week of Life The first week after birth is characterized by intense metabolic changes typical for the adaptive period influenced also by the intake of colostrum. The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in the serum protein electrophoretic pattern in goat kids during the first week of life. Nine clinically healthy goat kids of the white shorthaired breed were used in this study. The first blood sample collection was performed before the colostrum intake and then at 1, 2 and 7 days of age. Serum was analyzed for total protein concentrations, and the relative and absolute values of protein fractions - albumin, alpha1-(α1), alpha2-(α2), beta-(β), and gamma-(γ) globulins. The concentrations of total proteins increased significantly 1 day after colostrum intake (P<0.001), and then were relatively stable. In the absolute concentrations of albumin, a significant decrease of values was observed 1 day after colostrum intake (P<0.01), with a subsequent gradual increase till the end of the first week. For the absolute concentrations of α1-globulins, a significant increase of values was found 1 day after the intake of colostrums (P<0.001). The absolute values of α2- and β- globulins increased significantly from birth till the end of the monitored period (P<0.001). The concentrations of γ-globulins increased significantly 1 day after colostrum intake (P<0.001), and then decreased gradually till the end of the first week. Presented results suggest that the changes in serum protein electrophoretic profile in newborn goat kids may indicate not only important neonatal diseases, but they may also be associated with physiological adaptation processes. Shift in the concentrations of albumin and globulin fractions suggests that the age is an important factor, which should be taken into consideration when interpreting serum proteins.

Changes range of proteins of rats organs at impact of retabolil, LES-2222 substance and testosterone propionate during food deprivation in a comparative perspective

The influence of retabolil, LES-2222 substance (original tiopiranotiazol- substance synthesized at the Department of organic, bioorganic and pharmaceutical chemistry Lviv National Danylo Galytskyi Medical University led by prof. R.B.Lesyk), testosterone propionate to change the spectrum of soluble proteins of rats with food deprivation has been researched. 30 rats-analogs were chosen that were kept under standard vivarium conditions, 5 groups of animals were formed, 6 heads in each: I control group received a full-diet, II control was subjected to food deprivation for 9 days with free access to water; animals of research groups on the background of food deprivation used these substances administered daily for 9 days. The results showed that the liver tissue of rats under the influence of these substances on the background of food deprivation reduced the content of the transport protein albumin with increasing content of prealbumins, α- and β-globulins. In kidney and spleen tissues of the substance normalize range of soluble protein compared to the values of the parameters in intact animals. This LES-2222 substance showed the least effect in rat kidney and testes in γ-globulin content tended to increase. Retabolil showed no noticeable change range of soluble proteins testis, whereas substance LES-2222 and testosterone propionate on the background of food deprivation, normalize the content of fractions soluble proteins testis size and their values did not differ significantly from those of intact animals.

Pathological and bacteriological characterization of neonatal porcine diarrhoea of uncertain aetiology.

Neonatal porcine diarrhoea of uncertain aetiology has been reported from a number of countries. This study investigated 50 diarrhoeic and 19 healthy piglets from 10 affected Swedish herds. The piglets were blood-sampled for analysis of serum γ-globulin and necropsied, and the intestines were sampled for histopathology and cultured for Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium difficile. Escherichia coli isolates (n = 276) were examined by PCR for virulence genes encoding LT, STa, STb, EAST1, VT2e, F4, F5, F6, F18, F41, AIDA-I, intimin, and for the genes aaiC and aggR. Selected isolates were analysed for additional virulence genes by a microarray and subjected to O-typing. Clostridium perfringens isolates (n = 152) were examined by PCR for genes encoding major toxins, enterotoxin and beta2-toxin. There was no difference in serum γ-globulin concentration between diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic piglets, and pathological lesions in the intestines were generally mild. Porcine enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, a common cause of piglet diarrhoea, was only found in two piglets. Further, the virulence gene profiling did not suggest involvement of other diarrhoeogenic pathotypes of Escherichia coli. Growth of Clostridium perfringens did not differ between diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic piglets. All isolates were type A, all were negative for enterotoxin, and 151 of 152 isolates were beta2-toxin positive. In pigs ≥ 2 days old, moderate to profuse growth of Clostridium difficile was more common in the controls. In conclusion, it was not possible to relate Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens type A and C or Clostridium difficile to neonatal porcine diarrhoea in any of the investigated herds.

Humoral and Cellular Immune Response in Canine Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is one of the most common endocrine diseases in dogs and is generally considered to be autoimmune in nature. In human hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is destroyed by both cellular (i.e. autoreactive helper and cytotoxic T lymphocytes) and humoral (i.e. autoantibodies specific for thyroglobulin, thyroxine and triiodothyronine) effector mechanisms. Other suggested factors include impaired peripheral immune suppression (i.e. the malfunction of regulatory T cells) or an additional pro-inflammatory effect of T helper 17 lymphocytes. The aim of this study was to evaluate immunological changes in canine hypothyroidism. Twenty-eight clinically healthy dogs, 25 hypothyroid dogs without thyroglobulin antibodies and eight hypothyroid dogs with these autoantibodies were enrolled into the study. There were alterations in serum proteins in hypothyroid dogs compared with healthy controls (i.e. raised concentrations of α-globulins, β2- and γ-globulins) as well as higher concentration of acute phase proteins and circulating immune complexes. Hypothyroid animals had a lower CD4:CD8 ratio in peripheral blood compared with control dogs and diseased dogs also had higher expression of interferon γ (gene and protein expression) and CD28 (gene expression). Similar findings were found in both groups of hypothyroid dogs. Canine hypothyroidism is therefore characterized by systemic inflammation with dominance of a cellular immune response.

Changes in the concentrations of serum proteins in calves during the first month of life

The objective of this study was to describe the physiological changes in serum protein profile in calves during the first month of life. Seven clinically healthy calves were used in this study. Calves received colostrum and whole milk from their dams by voluntary sucking. The first blood sampling was performed within one hour after birth before colostrum intake (day 0) and then at 1, 2, 7, 14 and 30 days of age. Serum was analysed for total protein concentrations, and for the relative and absolute values of serum protein fractions – albumin, alpha1-(α1), alpha2-(α2), beta1-(β1), beta2-(β2) and gamma-(γ) globulins. The results showed a significant effect of age on total protein concentrations and for all the analysed protein fractions. The concentrations of total proteins, β2- and γ-globulins increased significantly one day after colostrum intake (P < 0.001) and then significantly decreased gradually till the end of the first month of age. An opposite trend was observed in the relative concentrations of albumin (P < 0.001). Significant decrease of values was found for relative concentrations of α1-globulins (P < 0.001) and increase of the relative values of α2- and β1-globulins from birth till the end of the monitored period (P < 0.001). The above mentioned changes are also reflected in changes of albumin/globulin ratio (P < 0.001). The results suggest that the serum protein profile in calves is significantly influenced by colostrum intake and the age of calves. This should be taken into consideration when interpreting the serum protein profile in young animals.

Serum total proteins and related electrophoretic fractions in growing foals

Abstract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes of serum total proteins, albumin, α1-, α2-, β1-, β2 and γ-globulins in growing foals during the first month of life. Nine clinically healthy foals (five females and four males, mean body weight 39.00 ± 3.50 kg) were enrolled in the study. From each animal, blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture every 3 days during the first month of life starting from the day of birth. Serum concentration of total proteins, albumin, α1, α2, β1, β2 and γ-globulins was assessed. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Bonferroni post hoc comparison test, was used to determine statistically significant effect of the day of life on studied parameters. A statistically significant effect of the day of life on serum total proteins (P &lt; 0.0001), albumin (P &lt; 0.0001) and γ-globulins (P &lt; 0.005) was observed during the first month of life. Our findings emphasize the importance of establishing different reference intervals for serum electrophoretic protein profiles in growing foals based on their physiological status. This study provides useful information that could help clinicians to better interpret clinical data and diagnose equine neonatal disease.

Establishment of reference intervals for plasma protein electrophoresis in Indo-Pacific green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas.

Biochemical and haematological parameters are increasingly used to diagnose disease in green sea turtles. Specific clinical pathology tools, such as plasma protein electrophoresis analysis, are now being used more frequently to improve our ability to diagnose disease in the live animal. Plasma protein reference intervals were calculated from 55 clinically healthy green sea turtles using pulsed field electrophoresis to determine pre-albumin, albumin, α-, β- and γ-globulin concentrations. The estimated reference intervals were then compared with data profiles from clinically unhealthy turtles admitted to a local wildlife hospital to assess the validity of the derived intervals and identify the clinically useful plasma protein fractions. Eighty-six per cent {19 of 22 [95% confidence interval (CI) 65-97]} of clinically unhealthy turtles had values outside the derived reference intervals, including the following: total protein [six of 22 turtles or 27% (95% CI 11-50%)], pre-albumin [two of five, 40% (95% CI 5-85%)], albumin [13 of 22, 59% (95% CI 36-79%)], total albumin [13 of 22, 59% (95% CI 36-79%)], α- [10 of 22, 45% (95% CI 24-68%)], β- [two of 10, 20% (95% CI 3-56%)], γ- [one of 10, 10% (95% CI 0.3-45%)] and β-γ-globulin [one of 12, 8% (95% CI 0.2-38%)] and total globulin [five of 22, 23% (8-45%)]. Plasma protein electrophoresis shows promise as an accurate adjunct tool to identify a disease state in marine turtles. This study presents the first reference interval for plasma protein electrophoresis in the Indo-Pacific green sea turtle.

Comparison of effects of age and sex on serum protein electrophoretic pattern in one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Semnan, Iran.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of age and sex on the concentration of total serum protein measured by the biuret method and protein fractions determined using cellulose acetate electrophoresis in apparently healthy camels (Camelus dromedarius). Blood samples were collected from 21 camels (12 males and 9 females). The camels were further divided into two groups: 12 young camels at the age of 3 months to 2 years and 9 adult camels at the age of 3-15 years. Cellulose acetate electrophoresis of serum proteins identified five protein fractions in adult camels as young camels, these five protein fractions include albumin, α1 and α2, β and γ-globulins. In adult camels, serum levels (g/l) of total protein, albumin, α1-globulins, α2-globulins, β-globulins and γ-globulins were 80.9±3.10, 42.9±3.10, 1.3±0.22, 2.2±0.30, 11.8±0.30 and 22.6±0.20, respectively. However, in young camels, these levels (g/l) were 66.8±2.90, 40.2±2.40, 1.0±0.14, 2.6±0.30, 10.6±0.80 and 12.3±1.20, respectively. The albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio was 2.08±0.28 in adult camels and 3.77±0.53 in young ones. The mean serum concentrations of total protein and γ-globulins were significantly (P<0.05) higher and the A/G ratio was significantly lower in adult camels compared to young camels. The mean concentrations of γ-globulins were significantly higher and the A/G ratio was significantly (P<0.05) lower in females compared to male camels. The results of the present study indicate a significant effect of age and sex on the concentrations of some of the serum protein fractions in dromedary camels.

Changes in the serum protein electrophoretic pattern in lambs during the first month of life

Studies of the changes in serum protein pattern in the neonatal period in animals are still limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in the concentrations of serum protein fractions in 7 clinically healthy merino lambs (4 males, 3 females) during their first month of life. The first blood sampling was performed before the colostrum intake and then at 1, 2, 7, 14 and 30 days of age. Blood serum was analysed for total serum protein concentrations and for the relative and absolute values of serum protein fractions - albumin, alpha1- (α1), alpha2- (α2), beta- (β), and gamma- (γ) globulins. The results showed a significant effect of age on the serum total protein concentrations and for all the protein fractions. The concentrations of total proteins and γ-globulins increased significantly 1 day after the colostrum intake (P&lt; 0.001); then decreased gradually till the end of the 1st month. An opposite trend was observed in the concentrations of albumin. A significant decrease of values was found 1 day after the intake of colostrum (P&lt; 0.001) with a subsequent progressive increase of values till the end of the evaluated period. The relative concentrations of α1-globulins significantly decreased during the first month of life (P&lt; 0.001). On the other hand, the relative values of α2- and β-globulins increased significantly from birth till the end of the monitored period (P&lt; 0.001). Our results suggest that the serum protein electrophoretic pattern in growing lambs is significantly influenced by the age of the evaluated animal, and this should be taken into consideration when interpreting the serum protein profile. Our findings extend existing knowledge about significant changes in the protein profile associated with the physiological adaptation process in the neonatal period in young animals.

Index of Suspicion

The reader is encouraged to write possible diagnoses for each case before turning to the discussion. We invite readers to contribute case presentations and discussions. Please inquire first by contacting Dr. Deepak Kamat at DKamat@med.wayne.edu. A 2-year-old boy with a history of eczema and food allergies to nuts and soy presents to the emergency department with a 10-day history of generalized edema. The swelling began in the periorbital area but soon progressed to involve his entire body. There have been no fevers or any recent illnesses other than 1 day of cough and a few watery stools. He has had no new exposures to foods or other substances. His family history is remarkable for multiple allergies and eczema. Physical examination reveals a temperature of 98.8°F (37.1oC), heart rate of 98 beats per minute, respiratory rate of 36 breaths per minute, blood pressure of 103/65 mm Hg, and an oxygen saturation of 97% on room air. His weight is 12.6 kg (34th percentile). He is noted to have a moderate amount of periorbital edema, decreased breath sounds at the lung bases bilaterally, a protuberant abdomen, and 2+ pitting edema on his lower extremities. The rest of his physical examination findings are within normal limits. Laboratory evaluation reveals a white blood cell count of 23,800/μL (23.8 × 109/L), with 37% neutrophils, 49% lymphocytes, 4% bands, 7% monocytes, and 3% eosinophils; hemoglobin level of 13.3 g/dL (133 g/L); and platelet count of 427 × 103/μL (427 × 109/L). Serum electrolyte, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine levels are normal. Sodium level is 132 mEq/L (132 mmol/L). Serum albumin level is 1.7 g/dL (17 g/L) (reference range, 3.4-5.4 g/dL [34-54 g/L]). Total protein level is 3.8 g/dL (38 g/L). Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and coagulation profiles …

Effect of dietary supplementation of camel hump fat on performance, carcass characteristics, antibody responses and blood metabolites in fattening lambs

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of camel hump fat (CHF) in substitution with a conventional ruminally protected fat source (palm fatty acids powder) on performance, carcass traits, blood biochemical parameters and immunological responses in fattening lambs. Twenty five Afshari male lambs were randomly assigned to the five diets in a completely randomized design. Diets were a control group (no fat supplementation) and groups received the supplemental fat levels of 2.5 or 5% of diet from either calcium salt of fatty acids (CSFA) or CHF. All diets were formulated to be isoenergetic and isonitrogenous. Three representative lambs from each group were slaughtered on d 90 of trial to measure carcass traits. Average daily gain was greater (P<0.05) for lambs fed CHF and 2.5% CSFA diets than the control and 5% CSFA diets. The highest feed intake was occurred orderly in groups received 2.5% CSFA, 2.5% and 5% CHF, and the least feed intakes were seen in control and 5% CSFA lambs. Feed conversion ratio was lower in lambs fed CHF- or 2.5% CSFA-diets. Among the carcass characteristics, only hot and cold carcass efficiencies were influenced (P<0.05) by supplemental fat sources. Absolute (P=0.09) and relative (P=0.06) pancreas weights tended to be affected by dietary fat supplementation so that, pancreas weight in control lambs was significantly lower than those in other treatments. Dietary supplementation by CHF and CSFA had no significant effect on blood glucose and triglycerides; however, plasma high-density lipoproteins and cholesterol concentrations were affected (P<0.05) by dietary treatments and supplemental CHF and CSFA increased plasma levels of both variables. Utilization of CHF at the levels of 2.5 and 5% increased (P<0.01) IgG titers against ovalbumin over the time (P<0.05). Serum γ-globulin content was increased (P<0.05) as the result of supplemental fat sources with the highest values assigned to the lambs fed on CHF-diets. The present findings suggest that camel hump fat can be used as a proper alternative for ruminally protected fat sources in fattening lambs with beneficial impacts on performance and immunological responses.

Haematological and biochemical reference intervals of four feline breeds.

Many feline breeds have been generated from a small number of ancestors. Thus, breed-specific peculiarities can be expected, which could include haematological and biochemical measurements. Despite this, there are only a few reports on breed-specific reference intervals (RI). This information is essential in routine practice where results from individual patients are usually compared with an RI. The aim was to compare haematological and biochemical data from clinically healthy Abyssinian, Holy Birman, Norwegian Forest and Siberian cats with published RIs to assess whether the published RIs are acceptable in these breeds. Comparison with established RIs using guidelines from the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards and the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, revealed a number of breed-related clinicopathological differences. New RIs were established, but in most cases the new RIs overlapped with published RIs, and the use of the breed-specific data would minimally affect the clinical interpretation of laboratory results. Important differences that could result in misinterpretation of laboratory results were as follows: microcytosis and high α2-globulin concentrations in Abyssinian cats; high serum creatinine, α2-globulin and glucose concentrations in Holy Birman cats; high serum alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium and phosphate concentration in Norwegian Forest cats; low β2-globulin and γ-globulin concentrations in Norwegian Forest and Siberian cats. Breed-specific RIs should be used for these analytes. In addition, care should be taken in interpreting clinicopathological data in purebred cats for which specific RIs have not been established.

Blood serum protein status in broilers fed with increasing concentrations of ochratoxin A

The 42-day long study was performed on a total number of 48 Hybro broilers divided into four groups. After the pre-experimental period of 14 days, 3 experimental groups of broilers (n=12) were formed and fed diets that contained 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg ochratoxin A (OTA) during the next seven consecutive days. In the same period, the control group of broilers was fed a diet with no toxin added. After the period of toxin addition, blood samples were taken from 6 animals in each group. The remaining animals (n=6) from the control and experimental groups were fed diets without OTA until the 42nd day of the study, when the blood samples were taken again. The total level of blood serum proteins was affected by treatment with different doses of OTA, but a significant and dose dependent increase of albumins together with a decrease of γ-globulin fraction was established. A/G ratio (Albumine/Globuline) suggested that the globulins were the dominant protein fraction in the blood serum samples obtained from all the broilers included in this study. The concentrations of α- and β- globulin in the serum were within physiological limits, but the concentration of γ-globulins significantly decreased. It can be concluded that the increasing dietary OTA levels (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg) had dose-dependent cumulative effect on blood serum proteins status in broilers, and the effect lasts even after the withdrawal of OTA from the feed.

The role of the light/dark cycle in the daily rhythm of serum proteins in Equus caballus

This research was carried out on five clinically healthy Sella Italiana horses to determine the daily rhythm of total proteins and their fractions, to establish if these rhythms are endogenously generated and to assess the role of light as synchroniser of these rhythms. Blood samples were collected from each subject every 3 h over a period of 48 h, starting at 9:00 on day 1 and finishing at 9:00 on day 3, into vacutainer tubes without an anticoagulant via intravenous cannulas inserted into the jugular vein. Total serum proteins, albumin, α1-, α2-, β1-, β2- and γ-globulin concentrations were assessed in all samples. The application of two-way ANOVA showed a significant effect of the time of day on total proteins, albumin, β1- and β2-globulins, and of the experimental conditions on total proteins α1-, α2-, β1-, β2- and γ-globulins. No statistical modifications were observed on the A/G ratio. Daily rhythmicity was exhibited only by total proteins and albumin during the L/D cycle. We can claim that the fluctuation of serum total proteins and albumin concentrations are daily and not circadian and that they are driven by the L/D cycle.