title: Detection and measurement of canine alpha-macroglobulins by enzyme immuno-assay.
abstract: The alpha-macroglobulins are broad-specificity protease inhibitors important in the regulation and clearance from circulation of biologically active proteases. Inappropriate protease activation may be a feature of canine acute pancreatitis and the ability of the animal to clear these proteases may be important in determining survival. An enzyme immunoassay for the detection and measurement of canine alpha-macroglobulins in plasma samples was developed. A reference range for the canine alpha-macroglobulins of 1.20-2.72 mg ml-1 was established from a panel of canine plasma samples, and the stability of the alpha-macroglobulins in plasma samples stored at 4 degrees C was investigated. Changes in the level of the alpha-macroglobulins during disease states involving increased endogenous protease activity can now be investigated using a rapid, repeatable and quantifiable assay.
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary Science and Animal Production, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Ruaux
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Atwell
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs / Q000097:blood*; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel / Q000662:veterinary; D007106:Immune Sera; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques / Q000662:veterinary; D007525:Isoelectric Focusing / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D012756:Sheep; D000511:alpha-Macroglobulins / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D007106:Immune Sera; D000511:alpha-Macroglobulins