The alpha 2-AP globulin of maternal and neonatal rat serums

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Abstract
A protein with identical antigenic and electrophoretic properties to those of [alpha]2-AP (acute phase) globulin which is present in the serum of injured adults was detected in the serums of pregnant, fetal, maternal, neonatal, and young rats. The concentration of the protein was determined in the above physiologic and pathologic states using an immunochemical procedure. The concentration of the protein in neonatal rat serum was 10 times greater than that of maternal serum. Following parturition, the protein persisted in the serum of the mother for approximately 2 weeks and in the young for 5 weeks. Neonatal and young rats responded to turpentine challenge with an increase in the level of [alpha]2-AP globulin. The concentration of the protein in maternal and neonatal serums was not affected by adrenalectomy of the mother prior to gestation. There was a sex difference in response to challenge in adult rats not only for [alpha]2-AP globulin but also for other acute-phase reactants. The biological and physicochemical characteristics of [alpha]2-AP globulin were compared with those of a1-glycoprotein (Darcy), C-reactive protein, and bovine fetuin.