Trichostrongylus colubriformis infection in Santa Inês lambs: impact on feed digestibility, blood markers, and nitrogen balance / Infecção por Trichostrongylus colubriformis em cordeiros Santa Inês: impacto na digestibilidade dos alimentos, marcadores sanguíneos e balanço de nitrogênio

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Trichostrongylus colubriformis infection on the hemato-biochemical parameters, feed digestibility, and nitrogen balance in Santa Inês lambs. Eighteen three-month-old Santa Ines castrated male lambs (16.9 ± 1.43 kg of body weight) were randomly distributed in two experimental treatments: infected with T. colubriformis (I, n = 9) and uninfected (U, n = 9). The I group received a total of 45,000 L3 larvae of T. colubriformis (5,000 infective larvae, three times per week, for three weeks). During the experimental period, blood, feed digestibility, and nitrogen balance were evaluated. The I lambs showed a reduction in erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and total proteins, as well as an increase in platelets and eosinophils compared to those in the U group (p < 0.05). With the exception of total protein content, these values were within the normal range for the species. Furthermore, lower dry matter and organic matter digestibility were observed in the I lambs (p = 0.08). The present findings highlight that T. colubriformis infection has the potential to impair some hemato-biochemical parameters as well as feed digestibility in lambs, which could affect their productivity.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da infecção por Trichostrongylus colubriformis nos parâmetros hemato-bioquímicos, digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes e balanço de nitrogênio de cordeiros Santa Inês. Dezoito cordeiros Santa Inês, de três meses de idade e castrados (16,9 ± 1,43 kg de peso corporal), foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois tratamentos experimentais: infectados com T. colubriformis (I, n = 9) e não infectados (U, n = 9). O grupo I recebeu um total de 45.000 larvas L3 de T. colubriformis (5.000 larvas infectantes, três vezes por semana, durante três semanas). Durante o período experimental, foram avaliadas as variáveis sanguíneas, digestibilidade e balanço de nitrogênio. Os cordeiros I apresentaram redução de eritrócitos, hemoglobina, hematócrito, volume corpuscular médio e proteínas totais, além de aumento de plaquetas e eosinófilos, quando comparados ao grupo U (p< 0,05). Contudo, exceto para proteínas totais, os valores estavam dentro do intervalo normal para a espécie. Além disso, a digestibilidade da matéria seca e da matéria orgânica foi menor no grupo I de cordeiros (p = 0,08). Os presentes achados destacam que a infecção por T. colubriformis teve potencial para prejudicar alguns parâmetros hemato-bioquímicos, bem como a digestibilidade aparente da dieta, o que poderia afetar a produtividade dos cordeiros.

An elevated pretreatment serum globulin level predicts a poor prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the value of serum globulin levels before treatment in predicting the prognosis of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 127 patients with non-disseminated NPC were recruited between January, 2009 and December, 2013 at Nanfang Hospital. The pretreatment serum globulin levels were analyzed with the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to select the cut-off point for low and high pretreatment serum globulin levels. Kaplan-Meier and multivariable analyses were used to evaluate the predictive value of serum globulin levels.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The ROC curve analysis determined 30.05 g/L as the optimal cut-off value for pretreatment serum globulin level, which was significantly associated with gender (P=0.024) and N stage (P=0.016). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that a high pretreatment serum globulin level (>30.05 g/L) significantly predicted poor progression-free survival (P=0.019), overall survival (P=0.034) and distant metastasis-free survival (P=0.049); multivariate analysis identified pretreatment serum globulin level as an independent prognostic factor for progression-free survival (HR=2.344, P=0.031).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Pretreatment serum globulin level may serve as a valuable marker to predict the prognosis of patients with NPC.</p>

Acute systemic response to intraperitoneal implantation of polypropylene mesh/chitosan-based film composite in pigs

PURPOSE:To assess the systemic response of pigs to the intraperitoneal implantation of polypropylene mesh associated with chitosan-based film with a degree of deacetylation of 95%.METHODS:Blood samples were collected 24 hours before, and two and seven days after surgery. Systemic reactions were evaluated based on white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, and total serum protein, albumin and globulin levels.RESULTS:The systemic response was proportional to the composite response induced by polypropylene mesh, and the tissue inflammatory response was higher in the PP group (p=0.0033).CONCLUSION:The polypropylene mesh/chitosan-based film composite did not elicit a systemic response in pigs.

Human plasma derived drugs separation by fractionation of plasma with polyethylene glycol

There are variety of purification techniques for separation of human plasma proteins such as salting out, ion exchange chromatography and ethanol fractionation. There are limitations for each method, for example in salting out method, the salt has to be removed in an additional step. Ion exchange chromatography is difficult for scaling up, and plasma fractionation is a time consuming method and it needs machinery and plants. In the present study the fractionation of human plasma by polyethylene glycol was investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of the fractionation of human plasma by polyethylene glycol. Human plasma fractionation was carried out by using polyethylene glycol with different concentrations from five to twenty percent, followed by centrifugation. After centrifugation the supernatant was used for further fractionation by addition of a higher concentration of polyethylene glycol. Suitable intermediate sources for protein purification were obtained by fractionation of human plasma by polyethylene glycol. Fibrinogen in fraction 5%, IgG and IgM in fraction 10%, IgA in fraction 20%, and finally albumin and alpha1- Antitrypsin in supernatant 20% of polyethylene glycol were achieved. By our study we could obtain four different fractions as intermediate sources for protein purification which cannot be easily obtained from plasma fractionation by cold ethanol fractionation

Long-term clinical and hematologic effects of non-surgical treatment on aggressive periodontitis / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the long-term effects of non-surgical treatment on clinical and hematologic states of patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Patients with GAgP (n = 25) and healthy controls (n = 28) were recruited. The clinical parameters, including probing depth (PD), bleeding index (BI), attachment loss (AL) were examined and recorded. Blood cell variables, including white blood cells (WBC), leukocyte, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, as well as serum triglycerides, fasting glucose and protein parameters, including total protein, albumin, globulin, and albumin/globulin ratio (A/G), were analyzed. Twenty-five GAgP patients received non-surgical treatment and the clinical and blood parameters 3 to 7 years after treatment were re-evaluated. Clinical and hematological parameters of the two groups were compared. Comparisons of clinical and hematologic parameters pre- and post-treatment in GAgP group were performed through one-way ANOVA and paired-t test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Elevated white blood cells, neutrophil numbers and serum total protein, globulin levels were observed in patients with GAgP compared to controls[(6.3 ± 2.0)×10(9)cell/L vs.(5.4 ± 1.0)×10(9)cell/L, (4.1 ± 1.8)×10(9) cell/L vs.(3.0 ± 0.9)×10(9) cell/L, (78.2 ± 4.4) g/L vs. (75.6 ± 4.6) g/L and (29.3 ± 3.8) g/L vs.(26.5 ± 3.9) g/L respectively, P < 0.05]. A/G ratio was lower in the GAgP group than in the control group (1.7 ± 0.2 vs.1.9 ± 0.3, P < 0.01). Three to seven years after periodontal treatment, the reduction of PD and BI was observed in GAgP group(P < 0.05). There were significant decreases of WBC count, neutrophil count, serum total protein and globulin level, and significant increases of albumin level and A/G at 3 to 7 years after treatment(P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Non-surgical treatment may have long-term beneficial effect on the periodontal clinical status and hematologic parameters of generalized aggressive periodontitis.</p>

The effect of conglutinin on production of reactive oxygen species in bovine granulocytes

Conglutinin is a high molecular-weight lectin originally detected in bovine serum. It belongs to the family of collectins that bind sugar residues in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner and are effector molecules in innate immunity. Conglutinin appears to play an important role in immune defense mechanisms, showing antiviral and antibacterial activities when tested in vivo and in vitro. The present study evaluated the effect of conglutinin on the respiratory bursts in bovine peripheral phagocytes. Using nitroblue tetrazolium and hydrogen peroxide assays, we showed that sugar ligand-bound conglutinin stimulated the production of superoxide and H2O2 in granulocytes whereas the non-sugar-bound form of conglutinin inhibited these processes. These results indicate that both forms of conglutinin are able to interact with surface leukocyte receptors but have opposite effects on phagocytic activity. Our findings suggest that conglutinin bound to sugar residues on microbial surfaces can induce oxygen burst in phagocytes, and thereby mediates the elimination of pathogens and prevents the spread of infection.

Neuroglobina: nuevo miembro de la familia de las globinas / Neuroglobin: a novel member of the globin family

Durante mucho tiempo se asumió que la hemoglobina y la mioglobina eran las únicas globinas de los vertebrados. En el año 2000 se descubrió un tercer tipo de globina, que sobre la base de su ubicación preferencial en el sistema nervioso fue denominada neuroglobina. Aunque aún se desconoce su función específica, se han planteado varias hipótesis entre las que se destaca la que sugiere que puede destoxificar las especies reactivas del oxígeno y el nitrógeno. Otros estudios proponen que es parte de una cadena de transducción de señales que transmite el estado redox de la célula o que inhibe la apoptosis. Aunque algunas funciones son más probables que otras, aún no se ha establecido definitivamente cuál es la función fisiológica de la neuroglobina en los vertebrados. No obstante, no hay dudas de que esta globina tiene una función esencial, conservada y que es beneficiosa para las neuronas

For a long time, it was taken for granted that hemoglobin and mioglobin were the only vertebrate globins. In 2000, a third type of globins was discovered on the basis of its preferential location in the nervous system and it was called neuroglobin. Although its specific function is still unknown, a number of hypotheses has been put forward, mainly the one suggesting that it may detoxify the reactive oxygen species and the nitrogen. On the other hand, other studies state that neuroglobin is part of a signal transduction chain that transmits the redox state of the cell or inhibits apoptosis. Though some functions are more probable than others, the real physiological function of neuroglobin in vertebrae has not been finally established. Nevertheless, this globin has undoubtedly an essential preserved function that is useful for neurons

Significance of total and free thyroid hormones in relation to serum proteins in chronic hepatitis B patients and normal controls

Hepatitis B destroys the liver cells. Proteins [albumin, pre albumin and thyroid binding globulin] produced by liver cells play an important role in metabolism and transport of thyroid hormones, therefore liver dysfunction is likely to disturb the transport of thyroid hormones resulting in disease. To determine the significance of thyroid hormones in relation to serum proteins in Chronic Hepatitis B patients. It was a cross sectional study conducted at National Health Research Complex [NHRC] and department of Gastroenterology Sheikh Zayed Medical Complex Lahore. One hundered Chronic Hepatitis B patients diagnosed by Polymerase Chain Reaction were matched with 100 healthy persons, served as control, were selected for total and free thyroid hormones using ELISA, while serum proteins were estimated spectrophotometrically. Serum total protein levels were within the normal range in both Chronic Hepatitis B patients and controls with mean value of 6.55g/dl and 7.2g/dl respectively, however serum albumin levels were lower in Chronic Hepatitis B patients [mean 2.69g/dl] as compared to controls [mean 4.1g/dl]. Serum globulin was increased [4.09g/dl] in patients as compared to controls [mean 3.1g/dl].Albumin globulin ratio was <1[mean 0.73] in Chronic Hepatitis B patients while in controls it was >1[mean13.5]. Consequently, increased globulin resulted in more binding of T4 [mean 194nmol/L] in Chronic Hepatitis B patients as compared to controls [mean 123nmol/L]. Conversion of T4 to T3 in Chronic Hepatitis B cases was also disturbed resulting in slight decrease of total T3 [mean 1.77nmol/L] as compared to controls [mean 2.3nmol/L].Free T3 [mean 3.56pmol/L] and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone [mean 0.68mIU/ml] also showed slight decrease when compared with controls [mean 4.5pmol/L, mean 1.52mIU/ml].FT4 remained within normal range in both the groups. In Chronic Hepatitis B related liver disease and cirrhosis, serum albumin levels go down while globulins go up and these changes alter the binding of thyroid hormones and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone resulting in disturbance in thyroid hormone levels

Níveis séricos de globulinas e a intensidade da fibrose hepática em pacientes com esquistossomose mansônica / Serum globulin levels and intensity of hepatic fibrosis in patients with mansonic schistosomiasis

CONTEXTO: Tem sido descrita correlação entre os níveis séricos de globulinas e o grau de fibrose hepática nas hepatites crônicas, mas não se encontram relatos na esquistossomose mansônica. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os níveis séricos de globulinas e de IgG, e a intensidade da fibrose periportal mensurada pela ultrassonografia em pacientes com esquistossomose mansônica. MÉTODOS: Entre novembro de 2006 e fevereiro de 2007, foram estudados 41 pacientes que preencheram ficha clínica e realizaram dosagens de IgG por imunoturbidimetria e de globulinas indiretamente pelo método do biureto. A ultrassonografia foi realizada por um único pesquisador, seguindo os protocolos do Cairo e de Niamey. RESULTADOS: A média de idade foi 41 anos, sendo 25 pacientes (61 por cento) do sexo feminino. Dez dos 41 pacientes (24 por cento) apresentaram elevação dos níveis séricos de globulinas e 21 (51 por cento) dos de IgG. Conforme a classificação do Cairo, 21 pacientes apresentaram grau I de fibrose, 18 grau II e 2 grau III, e pela classificação de Niamey 8 apresentavam padrão C, 20 D e 13 E. Aqueles com graus II ou III de fibrose tiveram maiores níveis de IgG do que os de grau I (P = 0,047), assim como aqueles que apresentaram padrões D e E em relação ao C (P = 0,011). Não houve associação entre os níveis de globulinas e o grau ou padrão de fibrose. CONCLUSÃO: Em pacientes com esquistossomose mansônica, observou-se elevação dos níveis séricos de IgG de acordo com a progressão do grau e do padrão de fibrose periportal, mas o mesmo não se observou com os níveis de globulinas.

BACKGROUND: A correlation between the levels of serum globulins and the hepatic fibrosis degree in chronic hepatitis was described, but reports in schistosomiasis mansoni have not been found. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the serum globulins and IgG levels, and periportal fibrosis intensity measured by ultrasound in patients with schistosomiasis mansoni. METHODS: Between November, 2006 and February 2007, 41 patients which were eligible, filled them a questionnaire and had their levels of serum IgG measured by immunoturbidimetry and globulins indirectly measured by the Biuret method. The ultrasound was carried out by a single researcher, according to the Cairo and Niamey protocols. RESULTS: The average age was 41 years old and 25 female patients (61 percent). Ten patients (24 percent) from 41 showed serum globulins levels raised and 21 (51 percent) presented elevated IgG levels. According to the Cairo classification, 21 patients showed grade I of fibrosis, 18 grade II and 2 grade III; and by the Niamey classification 8 showed standard C, 20 D, and 13 E. Those with grade II or III of fibrosis had higher IgG levels than the ones with grade I (P = 0,047), as well as those who showed standards D and E as compared to C (P = 0,011). There was no association between the globulins levels and the intensity of fibrosis. CONCLUSION: In patients with schistosomiasis mansoni, an increase of the IgG serum levels was observed according to the progression from periportal fibrosis intensity, but the same was not founded with globulins levels.

Evaluation of some toxic effects of the glycoside convicine on albino rat

Isouramil [IU] is a glycone of the glycoside convicine isolated from faba beans [Vacia faba L.]. Convicine caused haemolytic crisis called Favism especially in patients deficient in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. In the present study the experiments were performed to investigate the convicine effect on albino rats. Three groups of albino rats were used. The first group was kept as a control, the second and third group were given oral dose of convicine [2 mg/100g b.wt.] for 15 and 30 days, respectively. The results revealed that convicine caused significant decrease [P < 0.05] in red blood cells. R.B.Cs and hemoglobin content. The analysis of serum albumin/globulin ratio a showed significant decrease [P < 0.05]. There were significant increases [P < 0.05] in serum and tissue total protein, serum bilirubin, globulin and iron. The results showed that convicine when hydrolyzed to its haemoglobin aglycon isouramil caused the same signs similar in many respects to those observed in human metabolic disease [Favism]

effect of aqueous extract of ginger [zingiber officinale] on some biochemical parameters in rats

The aim of the study is to investigate the daily injection of ginger Zingiber officinale on total protein, albumin, globulin and the ratio of albumin to globulin in adult rats. Adult males rats were divided into two main groups, group [1] as control received and daily injected with saline solution for four weeks, group [2] received a 500 ml/kg body weight / day of ginger Zingiber officinale i.p. injection for four weeks. The result recorded significant increase in albumin to globulin ratio after first week, decrease in serum total protein, globulin levels, and increase in the albumin, albumin to globulin ratio after second week. Ginger caused significant increase in total protein, globulin and significant decrease in albumin to globulin ratio after third weeks compared with the control. Also it recorded a significant decrease in body weight after third week, and significance increase in body weight and significant decrease in liver weight after third week and liver weight, liver / body weight ratio after fourth week. From the previous studies and the present results it is clear that decrease in the level of serum total protein after second week suggested that gingerol and shogaol, may have an inhibitory effect on the synthesis of liver proteins. In contrast ginger component may affect in serum protein synthesis. From the present studies it is clear that the increase of body weight after fourth week indicate that administration of ginger extract did not cause any apparent adverse in gastrointestinal effects among the rats. And the decrease in the level of body weight after third week may be due to reduction in weight gain caused by reduction in food intake rather than any metabolic effects

significance of modified latex agglutination with 2-mercapto-ethanol [2ME] test in differentiation between acute and chronic toxoplasmosis

Different serological tests often measure different antibodies that posess unique patterns of rise and fall with time after infection. A combination of serological tests is frequently required to establish whether an individual has been more likely infected in the distant past or has been recently infected. This study was carried out in Kirkuk Hospitals and Primary Health Care Centers to detect Toxoplasma antibodies among 319 pregnant women aged from less than 18 to more than 35 years old. The period of study was from beginning of November 2003 to end of May 2004. The study showed that 117 cases out of 319 were positive for Toxoplasma gondii [36.6%] by using LAT, 54 cases out of 319 were positive for IgM- ELISA [16.9%] and 66 out of 117 were positive for 2ME test [56.6%]. The total serum protein and serum albumin did not vary significantly between seropositive and seronegative toxoplasmosis, but the serum globulin level was elevated in Toxoplasma seropositive cases

Serum total protein, albumin and A/G ratio in different grades of protein energy malnutrition.

The serum total protein, albumin and serum A/G ratio was studied on 20 healthy children and 30 children suffering from protein energy malnutrition of different grade such as grade-I grade-II and grade-III. Serum total protein and albumin levels in grade-I grade-II and grade-III PEM were significantly lowers than control. Serum total protein between different grades of PEM was changed but not significantly. Serum A/G ratio of grade-1 & grade-II PEM were high than that of control, but not significantly. Serum A/G ratio of grade I and grade II PEM were higher than that of control, but not significantly. But in grade-III PEM this values were significantly higher than that of control. When comparison were done within the different grades of PEM, it was found that their A/G ratio were changed but not significantly.

immune status of human persistent pyuria associated K.pneumoniae

Fifteen human persistent pyuria patients were diagnosed and investigated for their infection nature and immune status. They were associated with K.pneumoniae. The median concentrations for the: total serum protein, total serum globulin, mucosal globulin, serum IgG, IgM and IgA were higher and slightly higher than normal control subjects for immunoreactive and immunocompromised persistent pyuria patients respectively. The specific anti K pneumoniae circulating and mucosal agglutinins were 360 and36 respectively in immunoreactive subjects as well as they were 200 and 40 respectively for immunocompromized patients. The leucocyte inihibitory factors were as that of normal subjects. Thus, K. pneurnoniae immunodominant epitope is being of T-independent type and/or as B cell rnitogen, both at mucosal and systemic immune responses

Hematological and biochemical changes associated with pregnancy in Iraqi women

The study was conducted to investigate changes occurring in the blood during the three trimesters of pregnancy [three months trimester], the study covered a total number 1015 pregnant women [18-35 years old], all were healthy and living under good nutritional standard. Results showed a none significant change in: total erythrocytes count, and blood glucose concentration packed cell volume [PCV], hemoglobin concentration [Hb] increased significantly during the first trimester, total white blood cell [WBCs] and percentage of neutrophils decreased significantly during this trimester, while total cholesterol concentration and total biliruhin both direct and indirect and bilirubin decreased during the first and second trimester of pregnancy. During these trimesters, serum protein [total] and albumin rose significantly during the first trimester while concentration of and globulins decreased significantly during these periods, the results of this investigation, indicate presence of various changes in the blood both physical and biochemical during different trimesrers of pregnancy which may reflect various metabolic and honuonal changes occurring in pregnancy

Level of serum zinc, alkaline phosphatase, total protein and fractions in maternal and cord blood

The study was conducted on [20] newborn baby and their mothers in Diwanyia maternity and children Hospital to determine the serum zinc, alkaline phosphatase [ALP],total protein, albumin and globulins levels in maternal and cord blood. Cord and maternal blood samples collected at delivery were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer for zinc content other parameters analyzed by kits methods. The mean serum zinc level in cord blood was significantly higher [P< 0.05] than that in maternal blood also alkaline phosphatase activity was measured as an index of zinc status was significantly higher [P<0.05] than that maternal blood, While level of total protein, albumin maternal blood at delivery were higher than corresponding levels of cord blood, without any significant relation with parity of mother. But significant relation was observed between nutritional state, age of mother, birth weight of baby with the levels of this parameter

immunology of pseudomonal human persistent pyuria

Pseudomonas aeruginosa was diagnosed in association with human persistent pyuria. It was noted among immunoreactive and immunocompromized patients. The test patient showed high; total serum protein, total circulating globulin and high mucosal globulin concentrations than those of normal subjects. The immunoglobulin concentration for the classes IgG IgM and IgA were higher than those normal subjects. The albumin - globulin ratio was lower than those of normal subjects. Circulating anti. Pseudomans aeruginosa specific agglutinins were of titer median value of 400 mucosal specific agglutinins, however, they were with median titer values of 40. in immunreactive patients. While they were of titer median values of 240, and 40 in the immunocomproruized patients. Likewise significant migration inhibition index LIF were noted in peripheral blood leukocytes and Mucosul leucocytes in immunreactive and nonsignificant in the immunocompromized patient. This can be due to the presence of an immunodominant T dependent and/or T independent epitopes

Analysis of five streptokinase formulations using the euglobulin lysis test and the plasminogen activation assay

Streptokinase, a 47-kDa protein isolated and secreted by most group A, C and G ß-hemolytic streptococci, interacts with and activates human protein plasminogen to form an active complex capable of converting other plasminogen molecules to plasmin. Our objective was to compare five streptokinase formulations commercially available in Brazil in terms of their activity in the in vitro tests of euglobulin clot formation and of the hydrolysis of the plasmin-specific substrate S-2251Õ. Euglobulin lysis time was determined using a 96-well microtiter plate. Initially, human thrombin (10 IU/ml) and streptokinase were placed in individual wells, clot formation was initiated by the addition of plasma euglobulin, and turbidity was measured at 340 nm every 30 s. In the second assay, plasminogen activation was measured using the plasmin-specific substrate S-2251Õ. StreptaseÕ was used as the reference formulation because it presented the strongest fibrinolytic activity in the euglobulin lysis test. The UnitinaseÕ and SolustrepÕ formulations were the weakest, showing about 50 percent activity compared to the reference formulation. All streptokinases tested activated plasminogen but significant differences were observed. In terms of total S-2251Õ activity per vial, StreptaseÕ (75.7 ± 5.0 units) and StreptonaseÕ (94.7 ± 4.6 units) had the highest activity, while UnitinaseÕ (31.0 ± 2.4 units) and StrekÕ (32.9 ± 3.3 units) had the weakest activity. SolustrepÕ (53.3 ± 2.7 units) presented intermediate activity. The variations among the different formulations for both euglobulin lysis test and chromogenic substrate hydrolysis correlated with the SDS-PAGE densitometric results for the amount of 47-kDa protein. These data show that the commercially available clinical streptokinase formulations vary significantly in their in vitro activity. Whether these differences have clinical implications needs to be investigated.