Abstract
Abstract
In male and female A/J mice ranging from young adults (3 months old = 0.11 mean life span) through senility (1.0 mean life span), 21 serum antigens were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively by crossed immunoelectrophoresis (X-IEP). No age-related qualitative changes were seen. C-3 globulin, transferrin, and unknown antigen No. 32 remained quantitatively unchanged in this life range. Ceruloplasmin and α2-macroglobulin peaked at 6 months and thereafter also remained constant. Eleven antigens fell, 3 after 3 months, 5 after 6 months, and 3 after 12 months of age. Hemopexin and α1-antichymotrypsin tended to rise during aging. The immunoglobulins were quite variable, reaching “mature” levels at 6 months and later varying independently of each other. The 5 constant antigens will be useful directly, and as comparators for X-IEP analyses of all mouse serum antigens, to assess health and disease. The 11 regularly changing antigens will be useful as multiple indicators of aging. With the X-IEP characteristics now established of these 21 serum antigens in adult mice of different ages, mouse serum X-IEP offers uniquely multifactorial objective testing by which to study the biology and pathology of this popular species of laboratory animal.
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