Abstract
Summary
Serum proteins and selected enzymes in non-pregnant, pregnant, lactating females and in male mice were studied by starch gel electrophoresis. Esterase and cholinesterase activity were present in all protein regions; alkaline and acid phosphatase, aminopeptidase, and cytochrome oxidase activity was associated with the protein beta region. Total protein was approximately the same in all categories of sera studied, but zymograms and protein stained gels showed that the relative concentrations of certain serum components were different in different sex, pregnancy or lactation categories. The relationship between these variations and possible transfer of maternal serum molecules to the oocyte or embryo is discussed.
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