[Genetic variability of antigenic structure of the Lpm-protein and alpha2-macroglobulin among non-mustelid mammals].

The data on interspecific distribution and antigenic variability of homologues of mink Lpm-protein (Lpm) and alpha 2M-globulin (alpha 2M) among 43 species of 6 orders of mammals are presented. Strong variability of antigenic structure of Lpm and alpha 2M of Rodentia and Artiodactyla orders was established. This fact allows to classify the macroglobulins studied as belonging to the group of evolutionary high-speed plasma globulins. In the plasma of human and green marmoset (Cercopithecus aephiops) the only homologue of alpha 2M was found. The lack of reaction to Lpm in above-mentioned species allows to postulate significant differences between Carnivora and Primates in the organization of this gene cluster. Unique features of antigenic variability of Lpm and alpha 2M were also fixed among other systematical groups tested. Taken together, the data obtained stimulate scientific interest to the study of molecular organization of the Lpm and alpha 2M gene families.