Serum and synovial fluid protein of normal and Mycoplasma hyorhinis-infected swine
Barthel, C.H.; Duncan, J.R.; Ross, R.F.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 33(5): 967-974
1972
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 4112406 Document Number: 46536
Total protein concentrations were determined colorimetrically in the serum and synovial fluid from normal pigs and pigs with arthritis resulting from experimental M. hyorhinis infection. Protein fraction distribution in these fluids was determined by electrophoretic separation on cellulose acetate. Total protein content of serum and synovial fluid increased both with increasing body weight and with infection. The protein fraction distribution changed only slightly with increase in body weight. Slightly higher percentages of gamma-globulins were found in the fluids from the heavier normal pigs. Alterations in protein fraction distribution occurred as a result of infection: serum and synovial fluid percentages of albumin fell and gamma-globulin percentages increased. In addition, relative values of synovial fluid beta-globulin increased. Serum-synovial fluid fraction relationships were similar in the fluids of both groups of normal pigs. Normal relationships were altered by M. hyorhinis infection. Synovial fluid beta-globulin relative values were increased over homologous serum relative values. Lower synovial fluid gamma-globulin percentages resulted in higher albumin-globulin ratios than serum, partly reflecting synovial membrane selective permeability.