LEVELS OF ALPHA2 PREGNANCY-ASSOCIATED GLYCOPROTEIN IN MATERNAL CIRCULATION DURING PREGNANCY IN THE MINK

This is the first demonstration of alpha2-pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (alpha2-PAG) in the mink. Mink alpha2-PAG exhibits complete immunological cross reaction with dog alpha2-PAG when analysed in assays employing antisera against canine alpha2-PAG raised in rabbits. Alpha2-PAG was quantitated by rocket immunoelectrophoresis in heparin plasma samples obtained from the peripheral circulation of mink during the breeding season. The plasma levels recorded in male mink were significantly lower (23 AU/ml) than the levels recorded in females al any stage of the breeding period. Very early in the breeding season and 2 weeks after delivery the alpha2-PAG levels were high (> 200 AU/ml) in the circulation of the female mink. Like alpha2-PAG in the pregnant bitch, mink alpha2-PAG concentrations reach a local maximum in mid-pregnancy, and a local minimum at term.