The changes of bone .GAMMA.-carboxyglutamic acid-containing protein in bone and serum of developing chick.

Abstract
The changes of bone [vitamin K dependent] .gamma.-carboxyglutamic acid-containing protein (BGP) levels in bone and serum were studied in relation to those in Ca metabolism using chick embryos and chicks aged from 13 days incubation to 8 wk old. Chick BGP was determined by radioimmunoassay using antiserum to purified chick BGP. BGP levels in bone and serum increased significantly at hatching and then decreased until 3-5 days of age. BGP levels in bone and serum increased gradually until 8 wk of age. These changes of BGP levels were well correlated with those of serum Ca and Pi concentrations, serum alkaline phosphatase activity and bone Ca content. The molecular size of increased serum BGP at hatching was not different from that of bone BGP. BGP plays a role in hatching and bone formation during chick development.

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