Mean Total Protein Concentration Research Articles

Effect of a Whey Protein Concentrate Used as a Colostrum Substitute or Supplement on Calf Immunity, Weight Gain, and Health

The efficacy of a whey protein concentrate was evaluated as a colostrum substitute or supplement in two experiments using four groups of 29 calves. In Experiment 1, calves were fed either 2L of pooled colostrum (group 1) or 500g of whey protein concentrate (group 2). A mean total of 123.6 and 17.7g of Ig was fed to calves in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Mean serum IgG, total protein, and globulin concentrations and Ig antibody activities to Escherichia coli K99 and rotavirus were significantly higher for calves in group 1 at 24 to 36h and at 3 wk of age. Weight gain from birth to 3 wk of age was significantly lower for calves in group 2. The incidence of diarrhea was high but not different between treatments. The mortality rate (0 to 3 wk) was significantly higher for calves in group 2 (27.6%) than for calves in group 1 (3.4%). In Experiment 2, calves were fed either 2L of pooled colostrum (group 3) or a solution of 1L of pooled colostrum plus 500g of whey protein concentrate (group 4). A mean total of 117.2 and 69.1g of Ig was fed to calves in groups 3 and 4, respectively. Absorption rate of IgG was significantly lower for calves in group 4.Mean serum IgG, total protein, and globulin concentrations and Ig antibody activities to E. coli K99 and rotavirus were significantly higher for calves in group 3 at 24 to 36h and at 3 wk of age. Mortality rate, BW gain, and incidence of diarrhea did not differ significantly between groups.

Blood ionized calcium concentrations in horses before and after the cross-country phase of three-day event competition

SUMMARY Blood ionized calcium (Ca2+) and pH; plasma lactate concentrations; and total protein, total calcium (CaT), albumin, and phosphorus concentrations in serum were determined in 40 healthy horses before (T1), at the finish line (T2), and 10 minutes after the finish (T3) of the cross-country phase of a 3-day-event competition. Mean (± sem) Ca2+ concentrations decreased from 6.22 ± 0.04 mg/dl at T1 to 5.04 ± 0.07 mg/dl at T2 (P ≤ 0.05). This decrease was accompanied by a nonsignificant increase in CaT between T1 and T2. The mean (± sem) percent ionization of calcium decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.05), from 50.9 ± 2.75% at T1 to 40.3 ± 3.58% at T2. Significant increases in mean albumin, total protein, phosphorus, and lactate concentrations and a significant decrease in mean pH were observed at T2 (P ≤ 0.05). At T3, mean Ca2+ and percent ionization had increased, but remained significantly less than resting values. Mean CaT was significantly decreased at T3, compared with values at T1 and T2. Correlation of mean Ca2+ concentration with all other measured variables at each time was evaluated; correlation coefficients between mean Ca2+ and all other variables were low (r2 ≤ 0.38), indicating low biological significance.

BINDING OF MEBEVERINE-HCI AND DROTAVERINE-HCI TO PLASMA PROTEINS FROM PATIENTS WITH RENAL FAILURE

Binding of mebeverine-HCl and drotaverine-HCI to plasma proteins taken from healthy volunteers and from patients with renal failure was investigated using equilibrium dialysis technique. The concentration of total protein and albumin were determined. The study showed that the mean plasma albumin concentration was 4.3 gm% in the case of normal volunteers, and was 2.8 % in the case of patients with renal failure. On the other hand, the mean total protein concentration in plasma of normal volunteers was 6.5 %, and was 5.6 % in the case of plasma proteins of patients with renal failure. Binding study showed that the percentage bound of mebeverine-HCl was 83.51 in normal volunteers and 74.32 in patients with renal failure. The percentage bound of drotaverine-HCI was 72.45 in normal volunteers and 63.21% in patients with renal failure. This must be taken into consideration during the adjustment of the dose of both drugs.

Flow cytometric analysis of total protein content and size distributions of recombinantSaccharomyces cerevisiae

The total protein content and cell size distribution of recombinantSaccharomyces cerevisiae cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The recombinant strain containing a regulatableSUC2 promoter and the host strain were compared when grown under similar conditions in a batch culture. Recombinant and host cells maintained similar size and total protein content while cloned-gene expression was repressed by glucose levels greater than 0.2% (w/v). Following derepression, recombinant cells demonstrated a mean total protein content and mean cell size 1.5–2 times greater than that of the host cells. In addition, these simple flow cytometric measurements of the changes in cell size and total protein content were found to closely follow diauxic growth ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae in batch culture.

T cells bearing the CD44 hi “memory” phenotype display characteristics of activated cells in G1 stage of cell cycle

T cells capable of anamnestic proliferative responses to antigen in vitro (i.e., “memory” cells) have been shown to display the CD44 hi CD45RB lo surface phenotype. To assess the state of activation of these T cells, CD4 + T cells expressing the CD44 hi or CD45RB lo phenotype were compared to CD4 + T cells expressing the CD44 lo or CD45RB hi phenotype in the context of expression of the “activated” (asiata-G hi M1) vs “resting” (asialo-G lo M1) phenotype and in the context of cell size, total protein content, and total RNA content. Dual fluorescence analysis demonstrated that all CD4 + T cells expressing the CD44 hi phenotype also expressed the asialo-G hi M1 phenotype associated with cell activation. In vitro proliferative assays confirmed that the CD4 + asialo-G hi M1, the CD4 + CD45RB lo, and the CD4 + CD44 hi FACS-sorted populations displayed stronger in vitro responsiveness to stimulation with immobilized anti-CD3 mAB than the CD4 + asialo-G lo M1, CD45RB hi, or CD44 lo populations. Acridine orange analysis of sorted CD44 hi/lo fractions revealed that the diploid (G1) population of the CD44 hi T cells displayed a higher mean RNA content than the CD44 lo T cells. Similarly, the CD44 hi T cells displayed a higher mean cell size and a higher mean total protein content than the CD44 lo CD4 + T cells. Similar results were obtained with asialo-G M1 and CD45RB subsets of CD4 + T cells. The basal rate of protein synthesis, as determined by [ 3H]leucine incorporation, was ≈50% higher in the CD44 hi small CD4 + T cells than in the CD44 lo CD4 + T cells. Based on the knowledge that cell size, total protein and RNA content, and responsiveness to signals inducing proliferation are lowest in GO stage of cycle and increase through Gl stage of cycle, it appears that the CD44 hi CD45RB lo T cells exist in a higher activation state than CD44 lo CD45RB hi T cells. The previously demonstrated association of CD44 hi CD45RB lo phenotype with memory T cells suggests that the CD44 hi memory T cells are maintained in G1 (not necessarily cycling) rather than resting “out of cycle” in G0.

Reference values of peritoneal fluid from healthy foals

Summary Thirty-two clinically healthy Thoroughbred foals, aged 14 to 75 days (x=45.5 days), were used to evaluate several parameters in peritoneal fluid. The evaluation revealed clear, pale yellow fluid with a mean total protein concentration of 1.8 gm/dl ± 0.7 (x±SD). The mean total of nucleated cell count was 1,418/ul ± 1,077, which was distributed as follows: neutrophils 15.3% ± 20.4, large mononuclear cells 43.8% ± 24.8, small mononuclear cells 22.3% ± 24.5. Eosinophils were not observed in any sample and the erythrocyte count was 12,070/ul ± 15,219. Nine different biochemical parameters were determined in paired samples of peritoneal fluid (PF) and serum. Results of the biochemical analysis of PF were : glucose 136.9 mg/dl ± 21, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 50 IU/L ± 18.9, alkaline phosphatase 43.6 IU/L ± 15.15, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) 46.5 IU/L ± 22.9, creatinine 1.39 mg/dl ± 0.22, sodium 133.6 mEq/L ± 2.18, chloride 98.7 mEq/L ± 4.16, potassium 4.2 mEq/L ± 0.36 and fibrinogen A valuable aid for determining the probable cause of abdominal pain is analysis of peritoneal fluid (PF). Analysis of peritoneal fluid is helpful in assessing other abdominal conditions such as chronic diarrhea, parasitic larvals migrans, abdominal abscessation, granulomatous enteritis and metastatic gastric squamous cell carcinoma. This ancillary aid is even more important for foals because rectal palpation is impossible due to their small size. Abdominocentesis of the horse was described more than 30 years ago 22 and is now a routine procedure for evaluation of horses with abdominal distress. Evaluation of PF from horses with acute abdominal conditions is well documented; 4 , 5 , 8 , 9 , 20 , 24 , 26 – 28 , 38 41 however, most of the literature deals with adult horses. Although the field of equine neonatology has been recently advancing, 30 we were not able to find studies of analysis of PF from healthy foals. The serum and PF concentrations of aspartate transaminase (AST), 19 alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 13 , 16 , 37 and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), 40 as well as the concentrations of lactic acid, 25 fibronectin, 14 and phosphate 3 have been reported. The aim of those determinations was to search for an accurate index to predict early compromise of bowel; however, the sensitivity and specificity have been variable. 29 The purposes of this study were: 1) to report reference values for PF from healthy foals, 2) to report values of different biochemical parameters evaluated in paired samples of serum and PF and 3) to determine the relationship of those parameters between serum and PF.

The development of hydrops fetalis in the ovine fetus afterlymphatic ligation or lymphatic excision

Sixteen ovine fetuses underwent either ligation or excision of the left thoracic, left cervical, and left brachiocephalic lymphatic ducts. Our purpose was to test the hypothesis that interruption of lymphatic flow would lead to hydropic changes in the ovine fetus. Of the 11 animals in the group that underwent ligation, hydrops developed in 1. All five of the fetuses that underwent excision of these major lymphatic ducts were hydropic at the time of autopsy (3 to 7 days), with 62 to 502 ml of free fluid collected from the thoracic and abdominal cavities. The mean edema fluid total protein concentration in the hydropic fetuses was 2.6 gm/dl. This value was 71% to 94% of that found in the plasma, suggesting that the fetus is capable of producing new plasma proteins at a high rate. The observation that lymphatic excision led to hydropic changes in the ovine fetus, whereas ligation did not consistently produce hydrops, suggests that fetal lymph vessels may be capable of very rapid regrowth over short distances. Thus lymphatic excision, but not ligation, produces an animal model for the study of hydrops fetalis.

Cerebrospinal fluid production is reduced in healthy aging

In order to study age-related differences in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production in humans, we measured the rate of CSF production in 7 young (age 21 to 36 years) and 7 elderly (age 67 to 84 years) healthy volunteers, using a modified Masserman method. In addition, we evaluated CSF protein gradients by collecting CSF in serial fractions up to the 30th ml and assaying for total protein concentration. The mean rate of CSF production was significantly less in the elderly than in the young subjects. Mean CSF total protein concentrations were higher in the elderly than in the young, and significant rostrocaudal protein gradients with similar slopes were present in both groups. However, there was no correlation between CSF production and CSF total protein concentrations or protein gradient slopes. Age-related reductions in CSF production, together with the ventricular dilatation that occurs with aging, should presumably result in reduced CSF turnover and therefore influence measured concentrations of lumbar CSF constituents.

Protein content in rabbit periodontal ligament fibroblasts during growth in culture

The protein content of an individual periodontal ligament fibroblast decreases with increasing cell density during growth in culture. A mean total protein concentration of 3.3 ± 0.4 μg per 10 3 cells was calculated. This reference value can be used in studies evaluating enzyme activities, transport rates or metabolic functions.

Arachidonic acid metabolites in carrageenin-induced equine inflammatory exudate.

The presence of cyclooxygenase products of arachidonic acid metabolism in carrageenin-induced inflammatory exudate was investigated in ponies using two models. In the first model, an inflammatory response was stimulated by injecting carrageenin into subcutaneously implanted polypropylene tissue cages and exudates were collected at five predetermined times between 3 and 48 h. In the second model, exudates were harvested at 6, 12 and 24 h from carrageenin-impregnated polyester sponges which had also been inserted beneath the skin. Prostaglandin (PG) E2, thromboxane (TX) B2 and the stable breakdown-product of prostacyclin (PGI2), 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, in exudates were measured by radio-immunoassay (RIA); PGE2-like and PGF2 alpha-like activities were bioassayed following an acid-lipid extraction technique which provided a recovery rate of 78%. Agreement between RIA and bioassay was within acceptable limits. In Model 1, using RIA, mean PGE2 concentration reached 197 ng X ml-1 at 12 h decreasing to less than 12 ng X ml-1 at 24 h. Mean TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha levels were highest at 48 h (22.3 and 34.2 ng X ml-1, respectively) after considerable fluctuations and with wide standard errors prior to this time. In the sponge model, however, PGE2 levels were surprisingly low for each group (mean 12.8 ng X ml-1 at 12 h) and TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha were similarly lower (means of 3.3 and 8.1 ng X ml-1 respectively at 12 h). Mean total leucocyte counts and total protein concentrations were increased in both models after carrageenin stimulus. PGF2 alpha was not detected in measurable quantities in any exudate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Changes in plasma sodium concentration in women at the menopause

A significant increase in the mean plasma sodium concentration and in the fasting urinary Na/Cr ratio was observed in healthy women at the menopause. Both of these changes were reversed by administering oestrogens. None of the above effects appeared to be due to alterations in sodium intake or in renal glomerular function. The most likely cause of the increase in plasma sodium concentration at the menopause appeared to be a decrease in plasma volume since there were also significant increases in the mean plasma albumin and total protein concentrations.

Plasma electrolyte concentrations in women and the effects of oestrogen administration

Age-related changes in the concentrations of the main plasma electrolytes and in the urinary excretion of some of these ions have been examined in 436 pre-menopausal and 117 post-menopausal women. The main changes up to the menopause were decreases in the mean plasma potassium, calcium and total protein concentrations, accompanied by increases in the renal excretion of calcium and inorganic phosphate. The decrease in plasma total calcium concentration was completely accounted for by the fall in albumin and globulin concentrations. The main changes observed at the menopause were increases in plasma sodium, total calcium, inorganic phosphate and magnesium concentrations, an increase in the plasma “anion gap” and increases in the renal excretion of sodium, magnesium and inorganic phosphate. All these changes were reversed by treatment with ethinyl oestradiol. The causes and significance of some of these changes are discussed, particularly the menopausal rises in plasma sodium concentration and in the plasma “anion gap”.

A Comparison of Two Methods of Post-Bypass Hemoconcentration

Post-pump hemoconcentration is currently accomplished by centrifugation and saline washing, the product being packed red cells suspended in saline. This study was designed to compare centrifugation with ultrafiltration by an artificial kidney, the product of this method being whole blood. Sixteen adult patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass were assigned to one of two groups. Hemoconcentration was achieved in Group I with the Cell Saver and with an artificial kidney in Group II. Coagulation data, plasma proteins, colloid osmotic pressure, hematocrit, platelet count, plasma free hemoglobin, and fibrinogen levels were collected and compared at various times during each case. The mean total protein concentration of the ultrafiltered blood (8.01 ± 1.31 g/dl) was significantly greater than that of the Cell Saver blood (0.29 ± 0.29 g/dl, p < .01). Also, the mean total protein concentration in the discard was significantly greater in the Cell Saver group (1.69 ± 0.56 g/dl) than the artificial kidney group (0.09 ± 0.14, p < .01). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the other parameters compared. While the artificial kidney was quite effective in conserving the plasma proteins during hemoconcentration, no additional advantages were demonstrated during this study.

Effect of ultrasound-induced hyperthermia and cis-diamminedichloride platinum II on murine renal function.

Murine renal function was evaluated after ultrasound-induced kidney hyperthermia (42.5 degrees C and 46.5 degrees C for 35 minutes) and the administration of cis-diamminedichloride platinum II (8 mg/kg). A quantitative immunonephelometric technique was employed to determine urinary total protein (TP) and albumin (Alb) 1-180 days post-treatment. Hyperthermia of 46.5 degrees C elevated urinary TP excretion significantly more than that of 42.5 degrees C cis-diamminedichloride platinum (Cis DDP) administration greatly increase urine TP with a peak mean TP concentration of 488 microgram/ml, four days after Cis DDP (normal range was 26-48 microgram/ml). This returned to normal by day 14. The TP excretion after 42.5 degrees C hyperthermia with concurrent Cis DDP was similar to Cis DDP alone, implying there was no potentiation of early or late Cis-DDP-induced renal damage by hyperthermia. Late mouse mortality was greater (P = 0.08) after Cis DDP alone, than Cis DDP with 42.5 degrees C hyperthermia. There was a statistically significant increase (P less than 0.05) in the Alb/TP excretion ratio after the addition of 42.5 degrees C hyperthermia to Cis DDP, implying an alteration in the site or nature of the Cis DDP renal lesion by hyperthermia.

Cerebrospinal fluid and serum immunoglobulins and C3 in Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease

We determined the concentrations of IgA, IgG, and C3 in spinal fluid and IgA, IgG, IgM, and C3 in serum from seven patients with histologically revified Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The mean total protein content in spinal fluid was significantly higher than in controls. The increased mean concentrations of IgA, IgG, and C3 in spinal fluid, and their respective mean percentages in spinal fluid, suggest a passage of IgG and C3 from blood into spinal fluid, and a possible production of IgA within the central nervous system.

Progressive Changes in Serum Proteins and the Rheumatoid Factor of Chickens Infected with Mycoplasma synoviae

Sera from controls and chickens infected with Mycoplasma synoviae were examined for serum protein content by cellulose-acetate electrophoresis, and for rheumatoid factor (RF) by a latex-agglutination test at 8, 18, 28, 38, and 48 days postinoculation (DPI). Mean total serum protein concentration was significantly elevated by 8 DPI and rose to much higher concentrations on each subsequent day of examination. The mean albumin concentration was significantly decreased by 8 DPI, and continued to decline to very low levels at 18 and 28 DPI, after which it began to rise and by 48 DPI did not significantly differ from the controls. The mean alpha-globulin concentrations were significantly elevated on all days of examination. The mean beta- and gamma-globulin concentrations were significantly elevated by 8 DPI and reached maximum levels at 18 DPI but remained elevated throughout the test. The percentage of chickens having RF titers increased on each successive examination day, but only 56% of the chickens had titers at 48 DPI.

NUTRITIONAL SECONDARY HYPERPARATHYROIDISM IN ALASKAN RED FOX KITS

Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism occurred in 16 red fox kits (Vulpes vulpes) ranging in age from 8 to 10 weeks. The kits were thin and unthrifty. The canine teeth varied in appearance from dull-pink to dull-gray. Most kits were affected with a mild bilateral conjunctivitis and some degree of kyphosis. There were palpable bilateral enlargements of the distal epiphyses of the radius, ulna, and femur, and the costochondral junctions of the ribs. Two kits examined by necropsy had lesions of progressive fibrous osteodystrophy. In four of the kits, mean plasma calcium levels (8.3 mg/100 ml) were reduced in conjunction with a concomitant rise in the mean phosphorous level (7.4 mg/100 ml). The mean plasma urea nitrogen level (24.7 mg/100 ml) was elevated and the mean total protein content (4.6 gm/100 ml) was reduced. Mean plasma activity values for alkaline phosphatase (107.8 mU/ml), lactic dehydrogenase (355.5 mU/ml), and glutamic oxalaoacetic transaminase (896.8 mU/ml) were markedly elevated.

Uterine fluid and the duration of pseudo-pregnancy following transection of the uterus in the rat.

When the posterior ends of the uterine horns in cycling female Hooded Wistar rats were transected, fluid accumulated in the uterine lumen. During pseudopregnancy, the mean volume of uterine fluid in these rats fell from 0\m=.\97\m=+-\0\m=.\18ml on Day 2 to 0\m=.\06\m=+-\0\m=.\07ml on Day 8 (P< 0\m=.\001).The volume remained low until the next onset of pro-oestrus. Uterine fluid in normal rats at the time of oestrus contained 41\m=.\63\m=+- 3\m=.\99mequiv./1 potassium, a higher level than that in blood plasma, and 2\m=.\07\m=+-\0\m=.\88mg/ml total protein. Following transection of the uterine horns, the level of potassium remained high. The mean total protein concentration rose to three to thirteen times the normal value. Transection of the uterine horns led to an increase in the mean duration of pseudopregnancy from 13\m=.\4\m=+-\0\m=.\20days to 15\m=.\2\m=+-\0\m=.\33days (P<0\m=.\001).When uterine fluid was withdrawn from transected horns during pseudopregnancy, the duration of pseudopregnancy was reduced to 14\m=.\3\m=+-\0\m=.\29days (P<0\m=.\05).It is concluded that retention of uterine secretion is a causal factor in the prolongation of pseudopregnancy resulting from uterine transection.

Serum proteins in undernourished sinclair (S-1) miniature swine

Sinclair(S-1) miniature swine were fed ad libitum either a 16% (control) or a 4% (undernourished) protein diet from 9 weeks of age until sacrificed. Two males and 2 females, from each dietary group, were sacrificed after 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28 or 32 weeks on test. Also, 2 males and 2 females were sacrificed at the initiation of the experiment. Serum total protein, albumin, α-globulin, β-globulin, γ-globulin, glutamic-oxaloacetic (OT) transaminase, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) were assayed from blood samples collected biweekly. For the undernourished pigs, mean serum total protein and albumin concentrations decreased initially; however, levels stabilized later in the study. Mean serum total protein and albumin concentrations were lower for the undernourished pigs than for the controls from 2 through 32 weeks. From 4 through 32 weeks on test, the undernourished pigs had more serum total globulin, as a per cent of total protein, than did the control pigs. Mean serum β-globulin concentration was lower for the pigs fed the low protein diet than for the controls; however, there was no difference in mean per cent β-globulin between the 2 groups. From 8 through 32 weeks on test, mean OT and LDH activities were greater for undernourished than for the control pigs; however, there were no differences in mean serum AP activities between the 2 groups.

Free amino acids and proteins in plasma of pregnant patients with megaloblastic anaemia.

Summary.Plasma proteins and free amino acids were estimated in 18 non‐anaemic pregnant and 16 severely anaemic pregnant or recently delivered Nigerians. The mean concentration of all plasma free amino acids, except arginine, was raised in 15 women with megaloblastic anaemia secondary to folate deficiency. Some amino acid levels in individual patients were over 5 times the highest concentration recorded in the non‐anaemic. All plasma free amino acids were within the normal range in one patient with iron deficiency anaemia and heavy hookworm infestation. The mean albumin, α2 globulin and total protein concentrations were slightly but significantly lower in the anaemic patients.These findings have been discussed in support of a hypothesis that folate‐ or vitamin B12‐deficiency leads to a failure of methylation and formylation of tRNA and rRNA, so that coding is interrupted and cells are unable to form mature ribosomes. This results in an accumulation of free amino acids in cellular and extracellular pools with overflow amino aciduria. Haemoglobinopathies, haemolysis, malaria and liver failure were unlikely to have been causes of the high plasma amino acid concentrations observed in these women.It is probable that this disturbance of amino acid metabolism affects adversely uterine hypertrophy, placental development and foetal growth.