Concentrations of apolipoprotein C-III in healthy cows during the peripartum period and cows with milk fever.
Apolipoprotein (apo) C-III is a low-molecular-mass protein mainly distributed in the high-density lipoprotein fraction in cattle serum. We have recently shown that the apoC-III concentration is decreased in cows with fatty liver, ketosis, left displacement of the abomasum, retained placenta and milk fever. The decrease was most distinct in milk fever, thereby suggesting that apoC-III is particularly relevant to the development of milk fever and also that apoC-III is a candidate diagnostic marker for this disease. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether the apoC-III concentration in healthy cows is altered during the peripartum period, to assess the usefulness of apoC-III as a marker for milk fever. ApoC-III concentrations in 17 cows were monitored during the peripartum period (-48 to +12 days from parturition). Of the 17 cows, 14 were apparently healthy during the period. The apoC-III concentrations in the 14 healthy cows were unaltered during the period from -48 to -21 days, but thereafter showed individual variations. Compared with values during the period from -48 to -21 days, the apoC-III concentration was increased (137%) in 5 cows during the period from +1 to +12 days, whereas it decreased (60.7%) in 9 cows. Three cows suffered from milk fever at -3 to +10 days. Decreased apoC-III concentrations in diseased cows (15 to 37% of controls) were more distinct than in the 9 healthy cows. The apoC-III concentration was correlated with lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity in cows with milk fever, but not in healthy cows. Correlation analysis also indicated that apoC-III and apoB-100 concentrations were negatively correlated in 5 healthy cows with increased apoC-III concentrations, but positively in 9 healthy cows with decreased concentrations and cows with milk fever. Determination of the apoC-III concentration during the peripartum period is suggested to be helpful in diagnosing milk fever. The possible relevance of apoC-III and apoB-100 in the development of milk fever is also implied.
Katoh
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N
Hokkaido Research Station, National Institute of Animal Health, Sapporo, Japan.
Nakagawa-Ueta
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H
D000818:Animals; D053305:Apolipoprotein C-III; D001056:Apolipoproteins C / Q000097:blood*; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D010319:Parturient Paresis / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis; D007862:Phosphatidylcholine-Sterol O-Acyltransferase / Q000097:blood; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy
D053305:Apolipoprotein C-III; D001056:Apolipoproteins C; D007862:Phosphatidylcholine-Sterol O-Acyltransferase