PLASMA ENZYME AND GLYCOPROTEIN CHANGES IN EXPERIMENTAL MYCOBACTERIUM JOHNEI INFECTION OF CALVES

A study was made of plasma enzymes and glycoproteins in 18 bullocks that had been dosed orally with M. johnei during the first weeks of life. Between 3 and 7 months after dosing there was a transient rise in plasma β-glucuronidase activity. There was no significant alteration in acid phosphatase, acid ribonuclease and nicotinamide adenine glycohydrolase activity. In a true pre-clinical state, i.e. at 20 to 24 months after dosing, plasma concentrations of glyco proteins were raised above an upper normal value of 115 mg. protein bound hexose/100 ml. in 12 animals, but the levels fluctuated considerably. The value of glycoprotein estimation as a means of identifying affected animals in experimental infection is discussed. © 1968.