**2.6 Image analysis**

Gels images were acquired with an Epson expression 1680 PRO scanner. Computer-aided 2-D image analysis was carried out using the ImageMasterTM 2D Platinum software (GE Healthcare, Uppsala, Sweden). Differentially expressed spots were selected for MS analysis.

In order to find differentially expressed proteins, comassie stained gel image of serum proteins from healthy individual was matched with the one of myocarditis affected patient. The apparent isoelectric points and molecular masses of the proteins were calculated with ImageMaster 2D Platinum 6.0 using identified proteins with known parameters as references.

Relative spot volumes (%V) (V=integration of OD over the spot area; %V = V single spot/V total spot) were used for quantitative analysis in order to decrease experimental errors. The normalized intensity of spots on three replicate 2-D gels was averaged and standard deviation was calculated for each condition.
