Electrophoretic patterns of serum proteins in blue foxes with special reference to changes associated with nosematosis.

The serum proteins in 1 group of healthy breeders, 1 group of healthy pups and 4 groups of foxes suffering from various diseases were separated electrophoretically on cellulose acetate membranes. In most of the sera, the proteins were separated into 1 albumin fraction and 5 globulin fractions designated alpha, alpha, alpha, beta and gamma. The mean concentrations of the total proteins and the various serum fractions in the disease groups were compared statistically with the mean values of the normal groups. A nosematosis group was characterized by a distinct hypergammaglobulinaemia together with an increase in the total protein — and a decrease in the albumin concentrations. However, in 2 cubs recovering from nosematosis the hypergammaglobulinaemia was shown to be reversible. In a feed intoxication group the concentration of albumin was found to be lower and the alpha-globulin higher than the corresponding values in the healthy group. A virus hepatitis group was characterized by a decrease in the concentrations of albumin and beta-globulin and an increase in the alpha- and alpha-globulins. In the toxoplasmosis group the total protein and alpha- and alpha-globulins showed concentrations below the normal values.