Concentrations of apolipoprotein C-III in healthy cows during the peripartum period and cows with milk fever

• Published in: Journal of Veterinary Medical Science Vol. 63; no. 6; pp. 597 - 601
• Main Authors: Katoh, N. (National Inst. of Animal Health, Sapporo (Japan). Hokkaido Branch), Nakagawa Ueta, H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan JAPANESE SOCIETY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE 01.06.2001; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: Animals; apoB-100; apoC-III; Apolipoprotein C-III; Apolipoproteins C - blood; APOPROTEINS; BLOOD SERUM; bovine; CATTLE; Cattle Diseases - blood; Cattle Diseases - diagnosis; DAIRY COWS; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay - veterinary; Female; milk fever; PARTURIENT PARESIS; Parturient Paresis - blood; Parturient Paresis - diagnosis; PERINATAL PERIOD; peripartum period; Phosphatidylcholine-Sterol O-Acyltransferase - blood; Postpartum Period - blood; Pregnancy
• ISSN: 0916-7250; 1347-7439
• DOI: 10.1292/jvms.63.597

Apolipoprotein (apo) C-3 is a low-molecular-mass protein mainly distributed in the high-density lipoprotein fraction in cattle serum. We have recently shown that the apoC-3 concentration is decreased in cows with fatty liver, ketosis, left displacement of the abomasum, retained placenta and milk fever. The decrease was most distinct in milk fever, thereby suggesting that apoC-3 is particularly relevant to the development of milk fever and also that apoC-3 is a candidate diagnostic marker for this disease. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether the apoC-3 concentration in healthy cows is altered during the peripartum period, to assess the usefulness of apoC-3 as a marker for milk fever. ApoC-3 concentrations in 17 cows were monitored during the peripartum period (-48 to +12 days from parturition). Of the 17 cows, 14 were apparently healthy during the period. The apoC-3 concentrations in the 14 healthy cows were unaltered during the period from -48 to -21 days, but thereafter showed individual variations. Compared with values during the period from -48 to -21 days, the apoC-3 concentration was increased (137%) in 5 cows during the period from +1 to +12 days, whereas it decreased (60.7%) in 9 cows. Three cows suffered from milk fever at -3 to +10 days. Decreased apoC-3 concentrations in diseased cows (15 to 37% of controls) were more distinct than in the 9 healthy cows. The apoC-3 concentration was correlated with lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase activity in cows with milk fever, but not in healthy cows. Correlation analysis also indicated that apoC-3 and apoB-100 concentrations were negatively correlated in 5 healthy cows with increased apoC-3 concentrations, but positively in 9 healthy cows with decreased concentrations and cows with milk fever. Determination of the apoC-3 concentration during the peripartum period is suggested to be helpful in diagnosing miik fever. The possible relevance of apoC-3 and apoB-100 in the development of milk fever is also implied.