**5. Changes in the serum protein electrophoretic pattern**

[213]. It also plays a role in the destruction of the infectious agent through the interaction with specific receptors on phagocytes, which may help in the reduction of tissue damage, and

There are considerable species differences in the magnitude and duration of changes in CRP concentrations during health disorders. In humans, dogs, and pigs, CRP is the major acutephase protein with approximately 1000-fold increase in serum concentrations during acute inflammatory states [214]. In cattle, CRP has been reported to be a constitutive protein with only a minor increase during disease processes [7]. Despite this disadvantage, Schrodl et al. [215] evaluated the CRP concentrations in cows with mastitis, and found approximately 10-fold higher values in these cows (1083 ± 93 ng/ml) compared with healthy ones (82 ± 66 ng/ml). The data recorded by Lee et al. [216] showed a correlation between serum CRP concentrations and

Fibrinogen (Fbg), a precursor of fibrin, is also an acute-phase protein, which in coagulation cascade is the final substrate in the formation of a clot being converted to its insoluble fibrin form [217]. Fibrinogen belongs to the group of β-globulins and is present in the plasma. It is composed of three polypeptide chains linked by disulfide bridges and a glycoprotein [218]. Fibrinogen plays an important role in homeostatic processes, providing a substrate for fibrin formation. It is also involved in tissue reparation, and provides a matrix for the migration of inflammatory-related cells [219]. During an inflammatory reaction, fibrinogen can increase 2–3 folds, which may significantly increase blood viscosity and cause red cell aggregation, as well as may contribute to the growth of atherosclerotic plaques [220]. In human, studies showed an association between fibrinogen concentrations and subsequent cardiovascular disease risk, atherosclerosis, and acute thrombosis [221]. In cattle, fibrinogen has been used for many years to evaluate inflammatory and traumatic diseases, and is characterized by mark-

The γ-globulin fraction is predominantly composed of immunoglobulins (Ig) of various classes (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, and IgE). While in some animal species (cattle and goats) the γ-globulins constitute one overall fraction, in sheep, they may be visualized as two subpeaks: the γ<sup>1</sup>

 subfractions [104]. According to Kaneko [22], immunoglobulins from the γ fraction may migrate as fast or slow, which may be seen in these two subfractions. On the other hand, Vavricka et al. [76] indicated that some classes of immunoglobulins may migrate into the β-γ zone or β-region. Immunoglobulins (or antibodies) have major roles in the immune responses of the body, especially in response to foreign molecules, the so-called antigens. Their primary function is the protection of the host due to specific binding of one or a few closely related antigens in order to mediate their neutralization and elimination [223]. Immunoglobulins are produced by cells of the adaptive immune system, activated B cells and plasma cells, in response

and

contribute to the tissue repair and regeneration [162].

120 Ruminants - The Husbandry, Economic and Health Aspects

edly increased synthesis in response to infection [222].

the health condition of dairy cattle.

*4.3.2.4. Fibrinogen (in plasma)*

*4.3.3. The γ-globulins*

to the exposure to antigens [8].

γ2

Several factors, including non-pathological and pathological conditions, may influence the concentrations of proteins in the serum, thus the entire profile of serum proteins [226]. Many disease processes are associated with abnormal serum protein profiles. Changes in the protein profile commonly occur as secondary symptoms in numerous diseases, but may be also the primary symptom of some specific disease conditions [227]. Thus, the results of the electrophoretic analyses of serum or plasma proteins may provide a basis for the establishment of further specific diagnostic procedures and may be helpful by the differential diagnosis of several disease processes. However, abnormalities in the serum protein profile must be interpreted with regards to many influences that are not associated with pathological processes.
