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RESULTS OF ANIMAL a₁AG MEASUREMENTS

Bovine Serum a₁AG

Bovine serum a₁AG at the time of calving ranged from 500 to 1,500 mg/ml. However, at approximately two (2) weeks, the level of a₁AG had declined to less than 500 mg/ml. From approximately four (4) weeks of age to 17 years, the a₁AG value showed a fixed value of from 200 to 460 mg/ml in normal bovine. In healthy Holstein bulls (n=95; ranging in age from 1-10 years) and cows (n=152; ranging in age from 2-12 years), the a₁AG level was 283.2 +/-82.3 mg/ml. No variation was attributable to either age or sex. Further, no variation was attributable to differences in breed (those tested included Hereford, Jersey, Japanese shorthorn and Japanese black cattle). From these studies, an upper limit for healthy bovine was established at 450 mg/ml.

a₁AG levels were high with ailments such as traumatic pericarditis, arthritis, mastitis, renal failure, hepatitis, bovine leukemia, bone fractures and many other conditions. a₁AG levels were followed through the course of treatment in pneumonia and mastitis. In cases where treatment was successful, a₁AG levels returned to normal. When measurements were taken in calves two (2) weeks after birth, healthy calves returned to normal and calves with pneumonia or other infectious diseases remained high.

Equine Serum a₁AG

Serum a₁AG in the healthy newborn colt could hardly be detected. However, in one (1) to two (2) weeks following birth, the a₁AG level was 10 - 20 mg/ml. During the next three (3) months, the level increased continuously to approximately 100 mg/ml. The a₁AG level in adult horses is 95.5 +/- 36.5 mg/ml. No difference has been observed between stallions, mares or between breeds (thoroughbreds or anglo-arabs). Serum a₁AG increases in the pregnant mare and continues to increase until just after giving birth. After foaling, the a₁AG level in the mare returns to normal.

Porcine Serum a₁AG

The serum a₁AG value for healthy adult swine (ranging in age from four (4) months to five (5) years) was 350 +/- 89 mg/ml (n=142); thus, the upper limit for normal values was established at 500 mg/ml. As before, no difference was attributable to sex, age or breed. Immediately following birth, the a₁AG level in piglets was extremely high, gradually decreasing to a level approximately twice that of normal values within the fourth (4th) week. Normal values are reached by the tenth (10th) month after birth. Pigs in groups where the a₁AG level did not decline continuously eventually showed signs associated with pneumonia, meningitis, hernia or other infectious disease.

Canine Serum a₁AG

The a₁AG level in healthy mongrel dogs was 348 +/- 101 mg/ml (n=138). The level in beagles raised under confined, controlled conditions was 280 +/- 15 mg/ml (n=36). The a₁AG level in puppies was significantly lower than in adults. a₁AG values are increased in various diseases such as pyometra, fetal death, trauma, peritonitis, pneumonia, hepatitis, viral infections such as distemper and malignant sarcoma. a₁AG increased with experimental surgery. In cases where little inflammation is expected such as external otitis, parasitosis or neuritis, values remained in the normal range.

Feline Serum a₁AG

The normal serum a₁AG level in cats (ages 6 months to 11 years) is 370 +/- 98.6 mg/ml (n=23). No variation was attributable to gender, age or breed. The a₁AG level in kittens one (1) day following birth was relatively low (50 mg/ml). The a₁AG level gradually increases to six (6) months of age. a₁AG is found to be elevated in trauma, feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), feline panleukopenia (FPL), pyometra and pyothorax. The level is increased two (2) days following spaying and returns to normal levels by the seventh (7^th) day with good post operative results. Levels remain high with inflammation or infectious disease.

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