Fetuin: an acute phase protein in cattle.

Fetuin is a plasma protein present in high concentrations during fetal development in animals of the order Artiodactyla. Its role is not known. The human homologue of fetuin--alpha 2HS glycoprotein--has been shown to be a negative acute phase protein in adult plasma. In the present study, the concentration of fetuin was measured in the serum of healthy cattle (Bovis bovis) and in animals with various injuries and inflammatory disorders. The levels were decreased by 30% in pregnancy but increased up to 10-fold in some trauma cases. A significant negative correlation between the concentrations of fetuin and albumin has also been found. Thus, fetuin appears to be a positive acute phase protein in cattle.