Immunogenetic study on the polymorphism of serum alpha2-lipoproteins in mink. I. Identification and genetic control of five Lpm allotypes.

Five allotypes, Lpm 1, Lpm 2, Lpm 3, Lpm 4, and Lpm 5, were detected by isoimmunization in mink sera. Immunoelectrophoresis, preparative ultracentrifugation, and histochemical tests for lipids and esterase permitted reference of these alloantigenic markers to a very high density alpha2-lipoprotein. Based on population analysis and breeding tests, five genetic units are postulated: Lpm1, Lpm4, Lpm3,4, Lpm1,2, and Lpm2,4,5. These units determine the polymorphism of the Lpm system and behave as Mendelian alleles.