Immunohistochemical Study of Serum Proteins in Normal and Cadmium-Treated Mouse Testis by in vivo Cryotechnique

Objective To investigate time-dependent changes of serum proteins permeability in the normal and cadmium（Cd）-treated mouse testis, reflecting tight junctional （TJ） barriers of Sertoli cells Methods The serum proteins, albumin and immunoglobulin-G（IgG）, in the seminiferous tubules were firstly immobilized by the “in vivo cryotechnique”, in which the dynamic blood circulation was always kept. The cryofixed testicular tissues were then processed for the freeze-substitution method, and embedded in the paraffin wax. Serial sections of 5μm thickness were immunostained by anti-mouse albumin or IgG antibody with peroxidase immunostaining, and also stained with hematoxylin-eosine （HE）for morphological observation. Results In normal seminiferous tubules, albumin immunoreaction products were localized around peritubular myoid cells and among Leydig cells, as well as in blood vessels. They were also localized as arch-like patterns around some spermatogonia in basal compartments. The number of the immunopositive arch structures was different according to developmental stages of the seminiferous cycle, judging from the arrangement of germ cells by HE-staining. The patterns of localization of IgG immunostaining in normal mouse testis were similar to that of albumin. In 24 h after Cd-treatment, some enlarged spaces and vesicular formation in the seminiferous epithelium were observed on the paraffin sections by HE-staining. The albumin or IgGimmunolocalization was seen not only in the basal compartments, but also in the adluminal compartments between Sertoli.cells and germ cells. Conclusion The structural changes of inter-Sertoli TJ barriers in vivo, such as different immunostaining patterns of serum proteins between the normal and Cd-treated mouse seminiferous tubules, could be clearly detected by the “in vivo cryotechnique” with albumin or IgG immunohistochemistry.

Serum Proteins Stabilized Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles and Its Effect on Bel-7402 Cells

Hydroxyapatite has a high affinity to biological macromolecules, especially to proteins. Bovine serum proteins were extracted to be used as stablizer to prepare calcium phosphate nanoparticles . 167.7 nm and 87.7 nm particles were respectively prepared by using bovine serum protein fractions at the concentration of 0. 5 mg/mL and 1.0 mg/mL. As the polysaccharide stabilized hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, the protein-stablized nanoparticles also inhibited the proliferation rate of Bel-7402 cells. It suggested that proteins could be applied to prepare calcium phosphate nanoparticles and it also has the anticaneer effect.

Understanding the thermal stability of human serum proteins with the related near-infrared spectral variables selected by Monte Carlo-uninformative variable elimination

Understanding the thermal stability of the proteins in human serum is essential since human serum is the important source of pharmaceutical proteins. Near-infrared（NIR） spectroscopy was applied to the investigation of thermal changes in secondary structure and hydration of human serum proteins.However, as a multicomponent system, the overlap of the broad NIR bands makes the structural analysis very difficult directly using the spectra of serum samples. Therefore, continuous wavelet transform（CWT） was used to improve the resolution of NIR spectra, and Monte Carlo-uninformative variable elimination（MC-UVE） method was applied to the selection of the variables associated with the proteins for the structural analysis. The variables（5956, 5867, 5815, 5747, 4525, 4401, 4359 and 4328 cm^-1） related to protein secondary structures and those（7074, 6951, 6827 and 6700 cm 1） connected with water species were selected. Then, the thermal stability was analyzed through the intensity variations of the selected variables with temperature from 30℃ to 80 ℃. It was found that the variation of the spectral variables related to both a-helix and b-sheet changes apparently around 60 ℃, indicating the beginning of the thermal denaturation and the transition from a-helix to b-sheet. Moreover, an obvious change was found around 60℃for the content of the water specie S3, i.e., the water cluster containing three hydrogen bonds. The result demonstrates that MC-UVE can identify the protein-related NIR spectral variables, and the water species may be a marker for investigation of the structural change of proteins in biochemical systems.

Application of urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase combined with serum retinol-binding protein in early detection of diabetic nephropathy

BACKGROUND Diabetic nephropathy(DN)is a microangiopathy of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),which can damage the kidney through various ways and mechanisms due to the nature of the disease,involving the renal interstitium and glomeruli.However,in the early stage of the disease,patients only showed kidney volume increase and glomerular hyperthyroidism,and typical symptoms that are difficult to arouse individual attention were noticed.AIM To observe the expression of serum retinol-binding protein(RBP)and urinary Nacetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase(NAG)in patients with DN,and to analyze their value in disease prediction,so as to provide new targets for early diagnosis and treatment of DN.METHODS The baseline data of 50 T2DM patients treated in our hospital between January 2021 and December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed and included in group A.The baseline data of 50 patients with type 2 DN admitted to our hospital during the same period were collected and included in group B.The baseline data and serum RBP and urine NAG expression were compared between the two groups to analyze their value in the early prediction of DN.RESULTS There was no significant difference in age,gender,duration of diabetes,combined hyperlipidemia and combined hypertension between the two groups(P>0.05);the expression of urinary NAG and serum RBP in group B was higher than that in group A,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);a multiple logistic regression model was established,and the results showed that urinary NAG and serum RBP were related to the presence or absence of injury in diabetic patients,and overexpression of urinary NAG and serum RBP may be risk factors for renal injury in T2DM patients(OR>1,P<0.05);receiver operating curve curve was plotted,and the results showed that the area under the curve of urinary NAG and serum RBP expression alone and in combination for predicting DN was>0.80,and the predictive value was satisfactory;bivariate Spearman linear correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between urinary NAG and serum RBP expression in patients with DN(r=0.566,P=0.000).CONCLUSION The increased expression of urinary NAG and serum RBP may be the risk factors leading to the progression of T2DM to DN.The possibility of DN can be considered in patients with urinary NAG and serum RBP overexpression by examining the expression of urinary NAG and serum RBP in patients with T2DM in clinical practice.

Comprehensive characterization of donkey milk serum proteins

Donkey milk(DM)has attracted immense attention owing to its resemblance to human milk.Consequently,its components require rigorous analysis.This study aimed to identify DM serum proteins(DMSPs)using a label-free MS-based proteomics method.Herein,1243 DMSPs were characterized in Dezhou DM,and 788 common DMSPs were identified and subsequently analyzed.Gene ontology analysis indicated the involvement of these proteins in cellular components(extracellular exosomes,extracellular space,and focal adhesion),biological processes(small guanosine triphosphatase(GTPase)-mediated signal transduction,translation,and intracellular protein transport),and molecular functions(calcium ion binding,GTP binding,and poly(A)RNA binding).Additionally,metabolic pathway analysis confirmed that protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum is the most related metabolic pathway,followed by those of ribosomes,phagosomes,endocytosis,complement,and coagulation cascades.This study,aimed at decoding the DM composition,advances our understanding of the potential biological functions of DMSPs.

Effect of Wheat Based Diet Supplemented with Xylanase on Blood Sugar and Total Protein in Serum of Geese

[Objective] The effects of wheat based diet supplemented with xylanase on blood sugar and total protein in serum of geese were studied. [ Method ] By using the randomized design of single factor, the 1-day-old healthy goslings were divided into 6 groups and fed with corn based diet, wheat based diet and wheat based diet supplemented with xylanase at different concentrations respectively, the contents of blood sugar and total protein in serum were determined. [ Result] The wheat based diet supplemented with xylanase could increase the blood sugar and total protein in serum of geese and wheat based diet supplemented with 0.2% xylanase generated the best effect, which was higher than those of corn based diet group. As for the concentration of protein in serum, wheat based diet supplemented with 0.2% xylanase was significantly different from corn based diet and wheat based diet. [ Conclusion] The wheat based diet supplemented with xylanase could enhance geese production.

Spectrophotometric Study on the Interaction between Arsenazo M and Proteins

Arsenazo M could bind with bovine serum albumin to form a complex in Clark-Lube buffer at pH 2.3 and room temperature, which gives a maximum absorption peak at 625 nm with a red shift of 75 nm compared with that of Arsenazo M itself. The apparent molar absorptivity of the BSA-Arsenazo M complex is 3.21105 Lmol-1cm-1. The linear ranges for protein determination are wide (at least 0-100 mg/mL).

Biochemical Liver Functions and Molecular Identification of Fasciola hepatica from Experimentally Infected Rat Model

The current study was performed to evaluate the liver function status as well as molecular characterization of the recovered worms in rats experimentally infected with F. hepatica. Sixteen male Wister rats aged 30 days were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 8). The first group was infected orally with 15 viable encysted metacercaria of F. hepatica per animal. The other group was kept non-infected (control group). At zero time (before infection), the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th and 14th weeks post-infection (WPI), blood and serum samples were collected via puncture of retro-orbital plexus of veins from each rat. Serum enzyme level (AST and ALT) and total protein were measured, and the serum protein profile was carried out using agarose gel electrophoresis. During the period of the experiment, serum ALT and AST activities and serum total globulins significantly increased while serum total proteins and albumin markedly decreased in the infected group. On the 14th WPI, the data of the electropherogram showed that globulin fractions (α1-, β- and γ-globulin) levels were significantly increased while α2-globulin was markedly decreased in the infected group. The molecular analysis confirmed the amplification of the ITS1, ITS2 and NDI genes of F. hepatica recovered from the infected liver of rats with amplicon sizes of 630, 510 and 560 bp, respectively. Sequencing of the amplified ITS gene resulted in the determination of 3 strains (PP108836, PP108837, and PP108838). Also, analysis of the ITS2 gene resulted in obtaining 3 isolates under the accession numbers (PP109065, PP109066, and PP109067). In conclusion, fasciolosis in the rat model is suitable for routine experimental infections and caused a pronounced liver dysfunction with discharging of the Fasciola eggs in the faeces and the development of adult stages in the bile ducts. Furthermore, molecular techniques are a sensitive tool for the identification and characterisation of the Fasciola parasite.

High Glucose Promotes the CTGF Expression in Human Mesangial Cells via Serum and Glucocorticoid-induced Kinase 1 Pathway

The role of serum and glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1 （SGK1） pathway in the connective tissue growth factor （CTGF） expression was investigated in cultured human mesangial cells （HMCs） under high glucose. By using RT-PCR and Western blot, the effect of SGK1 on the CTGF expression in HMCs under high glucose was examined. Overexpression of active SGK1 in HMCs transfected with PIRES2-EGFP- S422D hSGK1 （SD） could increase the expression of phosphorylated SGK1 and CTGF as compared with HMCs groups transfected with PIRES2-EGFP （FP） under high glucose or normal glucose. Overexpression of inactive SGK1 in HMCs transfected with PIRES2-EGFP- K127N hSGK1 （KN） could decrease phosphorylated SGK1 and CTGF expression as compared with HMCs groups transfected with FP under high glucose. In conclusion, these results suggest that high glucose-induced CTGF expression is mediated through the active SGK1 in HMCs.

Acupuncture effects on serum myelin basic protein and remyelination following 30 minutes and 2 hours of ischemia in a rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND： Acupuncture treatment on injured cerebral axons has shown to provide efficacy in clinical practice. It is unknown whether acupuncture produces therapeutic effects by protecting injured cerebral myelin in ischemic stroke. OBJECTIVE： To test whether acupuncture provides protection for injured cerebral myelin, based on quantitative data from cerebral ischemia-reperfusion rats, and to compare the effects of early and late acupuncture on serum myelin basic protein （MBP） content and remyelination of the ischemic internal capsule.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled experiment was performed at the Neurobiological Laboratory, Sichuan University from March 2005 to March 2006. MATERIALS： ＂Hua Tuo＂ Brand filiform needles were produced by the Medical Instrument Factory of Suzhou, China.METHODS： A total of 52 adult, healthy, male, Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups： control （n = 4）, model （n = 16）, early acupuncture （n = 16）, and late acupuncture （n = 16）. The focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion in the right hemisphere using the modified thread embolism method in the latter three groups. Early and late acupuncture groups underwent acupuncture after ischemia for 30 minutes and 2 hours using the Xingnaokaiqiao needling method, respectively. Acupoints were ＂Neiguarf＇ （PC 6） and ＂Sanyinjiao＂ （SP 6） on the bilateral sides, as well as ＂Shuigou＇ （DU 26） and ＂Baihui＂ （DU 20） with stimulation for 1 minute at each acupoint. Acupuncture at all acupoints was performed two or three times while the needle was retained, once per day. No special handling was administered to the control clroup.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： For each group, remyelination of the internal capsule was observed by Pal-Weigert＇s myelin staining and serum MBP content was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method on days 1,3, 5, and 7 following ischemia-reperfusion injury.RESULTS： Compared with the control group, massive demyelination of the internal capsule occurred, and serum MBP content increased in the model group （P 〈 0.05）. Compared with the model group, the extent of demyelination in the internal capsule was less distinct and serum MBP content was significantly less in the early and late acupuncture group （P 〈 0.01 ）. Compared with the late acupuncture group, serum MBP content reached a peak later and the peak value was less in the early acupuncture group. CONCLUSION： Results suggest that acupuncture exerts a protective effect on injured cerebral myelin in ischemia-reperfusion rats by reducing serum MBP content and promoting remyelination. The study also suggests that the effect of early acupuncture is superior to late acupuncture.

Study on the correlation and predictive value of serum pregnancyassociated plasma protein A, triglyceride and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with gestational diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)is a concern due to its rapid increase in incidence in recent years.AIM To investigate the correlation and predictive value of serum pregnancyassociated plasma protein A(PAPP-A),triglyceride(TG),and 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25-(OH)D]with GDM in early pregnancy.METHODS A total of 99 patients in early pregnancy admitted to Peking University International Hospital from November 2015 to September 2017 were included,and underwent a fasting glucose test and oral glucose tolerance test screening at 24-28 wk of pregnancy.Of these cases with GDM,51 were assigned to group A and the remaining 48 cases without GDM were enrolled in group B.Serum PAPP-A,TG and 25-(OH)D in the two groups were compared and their correlation with blood sugar was analyzed.In addition,their diagnostic value in GDM was determined using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.RESULTS Group A had markedly lower serum PAPP-A and 25-(OH)D levels and a significantly higher serum TG level than group B,with statistical significance(P<0.05).Furthermore,Pearson analysis identified that PAPP-A and 25-(OH)D levels were negatively correlated with fasting blood glucose(FBG)levels(r=-0.605,P<0.001),(r=-0.597,P<0.001),while TG and FBG levels were positively correlated(r=0.628,P<0.001).The sensitivity,specificity,area under the curve(AUC)and optimal cut-off value of serum PAPP-A level in the diagnosis of GDM were 72.55%,82.35%,0.861 and 16.340,respectively,while the sensitivity of TG in diagnosing GDM was 86.27%,the specificity was 66.67%,the AUC was 0.813,with an optimal cut-off value of 1.796.The corresponding sensitivity,specificity,AUC and optimal cut-off value of serum 25-(OH)D were 64.71%,70.59%,0.721 and 23.140,respectively.Moreover,multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that FBG,vascular endothelial growth factor,Flt-1,serum PAPP-A,TG,and 25-(OH)D were related risk factors leading to GDM in patients.CONCLUSION Serum PAPP-A,TG,and 25-(OH)D levels are all correlated with blood glucose changes in GDM,and are independent factors affecting the occurrence of GDM and have certain value in the diagnosis of GDM.

Acrylamide Alters Cytoskeletal Protein Level in Rat Serum

To study biomarker of acrylamide （ACR） induced neuropathy, Wistar rats received 20 or 40 mg/kg of ACR by ip injection and the levels of light neurofilament （NF-L）, middle NF （NF-M）, heavy NF （NF-H）, β-actin, α-tubulin, and β-tubulin proteins in serum were evaluated using both SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. Compared to controls, NF-L and NF-M decreased,

THE PREPARATION OF CROSSLINKED N,O-CARBOXYMETHYL CHITOSAN RESINSAND THEIR ADSORPTION PROPERTIESFOR TRIGLYCERIDE IN SERUM

Crosslinked N, O-carboxymethyl chitosan resins which can selectively adsorb triglyceride, were prepared by the reaction of N, O- carboxymethyl chitosan with glutaraldehyde solution. Adsorption experiments were performed by adding the resins to the serum. The results showed that this type of adsorbent could cut down the concentration of triglyceride in serum by 56. 4% (3. 35mg/gresin ) at most, while concentration of the total protein (TP ) decreased only by 10. 9% at least, so this novel adsorbent can be used to cure hypertriglyceridemia by hemoperfusion in the future.

DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF SERUM INSULIN- LIKE GROWTH FACTOR BINDING PROTEIN- 3 IN CHILDREN WITH OR WITHOUT GROWTH HORMONE DEFICIENCY

OBJECTIVE: To study the value of serum insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels in differential diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency (GHD). METHODS: To measure serum IGFBP-3 levels by RIA in normal children and adolescents, GHD children and short-stature children without GHD. RESULTS: Serum level of IGFBP-3 in 129 children with untreated GHD and with no pubertal development was 1.6 +/- 0.9 mg/L, which was less than that in normal group of the same age, but overlapped with the normal children in Tanner stage I. After six-month treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH), serum level of IGFBP-3 in 59 GHD significantly increased from 1.3 +/- 0.7 mg/L to 2.7 +/- 0.9 mg/L, accompanied by an increase of body heights, growth velocities and serum level of IGF-1. Serum level of IGFBP-3 in 55 short-stature children without GHD was 3.3 +/- 2.2 mg/L, which was not significantly different from that in normal group. CONCLUSION: Serum IGFBP-3 level can reflect the status of GH secretion in children with GHD and is a useful marker for differential diagnosis of GHD.

Optimization of Enzymolysis Process of Porcine Serum Protein for Fe-chelating Peptides by Response Surface Methodology

This study was conducted to optimize the hydrolysis of porcine serum protein by response surface methodology （RSM）. Based on single-factor tests, 3- factor 3-level response surface tests were designed by Box-Behnken design method, and the effects of pH, temperature and hydrolysis duration on the response values were analyzed by RSM method. The optimal enzymolysis conditions were obtained as follows： pH value of 7.7, temperature at 46.3 ℃ and time of 7.4 h, under which the predicted degree of hydrolysis was 35.52%, and the chelating rate was 79.41%. This process could provide new ideas for the development of porcine serum protein.

Serum Protein Capillary Electrophoretic Pattern in Camels （Camelus dromedarius）： Influence of Age and Sex

The objective of this study was to characterise serum protein capillary electrophoretic pattern in relation to the age and sex in dromedary camels. Fourteen healthy young camels （age： 3-5 months）, 12 adult male and 10 female camels （age： 5-8 years） were used. Blood samples collected from the jugular vein were used for the determination of serum proteins by capillary electrophoresis technique. Female camels had significantly （P 〈 0.05） higher serum-[Protein] of 63.7 ± 6.6 g/L （reference range = 51-74 g/L） compared to the other age groups. Adult male camels showed significantly （P 〈 0.05） higher percentage of albumin fraction （60%） compared to the other age groups. The concentrations of ul and ct2 globulin fractions were significantly （P 〈 0.05） higher mean value in young camels compared to the other groups （3.5% and 8.5%, respectively）. 13-globulin fraction was not affected significantly by the age. The concentration of y-globulin fraction （26%） in lactating camels was higher （P 〈 0.05） compared to the other age groups. Significantly （P 〈 0.05） A/G ratio was observed in young camels. Sex had no significant effect on serum protein fractions. The results obtained were compared and interpreted in the light of finding reported by other investigators in camels, humans and other animals.

Serum Markers of Systemic Inflammation in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Serum markers of systemic inflammation （SAA （serum amyloid protein A）, CRP （C-reactive protein）, cq-AT （ct l-antitripsin）, Hp （haptoglobin） and F （fibrinogen）） have been studied in 317 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. It was established that sensitivity of SAA as an activity marker was higher than of other acute phase reactants, because its levels were increased in 98.8% patients, whereas the level of CRP exceeded the norm in 80.8%, α1-AT--in 59.3%, Hp----in 43.5% and F--in 63.1% cases. The degree of increase of acute phase reactants directly related to the expressiveness of tuberculosis intoxication, the extent of the process in the lung and the quantity of MTB （M. tuberculosis） in sputum. We concluded that SAA was a useful marker of the process activity in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and its sensitivity was higher than that of other acute phase reactants.

Serum Protein Level Is Related to ADL in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

Objectives: To establish an ADL prediction model for Parkinson’s inpatients as an auxiliary evaluation scheme. Methods: The data of Parkinson’s patients hospitalized in the Department of Neurology of Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from 2019 to 2022, which suited the criteria were collected, and a multiple linear regression model was established with serum total protein, serum albumin, age, BMI and education level as independent variables and BI scores as dependent variables. Results: A total of 95 PD patients were included (mean 70.05 ± 10.87 years): 53 males and 42 females. The correlation analysis showed that the serum total protein (r = 0.398, P Conclusion: The ADL multiple linear regression model can be used as an important means to evaluate the ADL ability of PD patients in hospital.

Correlation between serum C1q tumor necrosis factor-related protein 4 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels and coronary heart disease

Objective:To investigate the relationship between serum levels of C1q tumor necrosis factorrelated protein 4(CTRP4)and hypersensitive C reactive protein(hs-CRP)and coronary heart disease(CHD)and its clinical value.Methods:128 patients underwent coronary angiography in our hospital,63 males,65 women,Based on blood sugar levels and coronary angiography,Divided into pure coronary heart disease(CHD)group 62 cases,Coronary heart disease with diabetes(DM+CHD)group 66 cases,A total of 126 patients were selected as control group,65 men,61 women,CTRP4 and hs-CRP levels in serum,Using Pearson correlation analysis to assess the correlation between Gennisi score and CTRP4、hs-CRP,Analysis of three groups of biochemical indicators,CTRP4、hs-CRP level changes and clinical significance.Results:The CTRP4、hs-CRP level of DM+CHD group was significantly higher than that of control group and CHD group(P DM+CHD 0.05).The CTRP4、hs-CRP level of the three-vessel coronary artery lesion group in the experimental group was higher than that in the two-vessel lesion group(P﹤0.05),Double branch lesion group was higher than single branch lesion group(P﹤0.05);Correlation analysis shows,There was a significant positive correlation between the CTRP4、hs-CRP level of CHD group and DM+CHD group and the Gennisi score(P DM+CHD 0.05).ROC curves show,CTRP4 and hs-CRP levels had predictive value(CHD group,AUC=0.940,0.934,DM+CHD group,AUC=0.980,0.964),Two associations(CHD:AUC=0.961,P﹤0.001,DM+CHD group:AUCDM+CHD 0.982,P﹤0.001)the predictive value is high.Conclusion:Serum CTRP4 and hs-CRP are positively related to the severity of coronary heart disease,and the sensitivity and specificity of predicting coronary heart disease are high,which is helpful for the identification and early prevention of coronary heart disease,and has certain clinical reference value.

Studies on Physiological and Biochemical Properties of Female Specific Serum Protein and Its Immunocytochemical Localization in Carassius auratus cuvieri(Temminck & Schlegel)

Female-specific serum protein(FSSP)is normally present in the sera of female fish,but it is notfound in males.However,estradiol benzoate(EB)was found to induce the appearance of FSSP inmale fish and immature female fish.Massive doses of FSSP caused a rapid increase in FSSP.Ultrastructural examination of the liver indicated an extensive proliferation of the rough endoplasmicreticulum and a decrease in glycogen and lipid droplets after EB injection.A preparative PAGE for isolating highly purified FSSP from the serum of EB-treated fish,Carassiusauratus cuvieri(Temminck & Schlegel),is described.Purified FSSP obtained from EB-induced O-crucian fish has a molecular weight of 466,000±4,000(n=10),while that in mature female serumis 480,000±40,000(n=2).FSSP appears to be a dimer,with the size of the possible monomerbeing 240,000±8,000(n=6).SDS-PAGE on gradient gels indicated that sera from males given multiple(12)injections of EBcontain a main band with a molecular weight of 147,000±6,000(n=6).However,the same serumsamples provided three bands of protein on the PAGE gels.Antiserum was raised against the electrophoretically purified FSSP.The resulting antibody formeda single,continuous precipitation line with sera from EB-treated males and vitellogenic females,butnot with that from normal males.lmmunocytochemistry(PAP method)was used to locate FSSP in the liver and ovary of maturefemales and the liver of EB-treated males.Strongly positive particles were found clustered in groupsaround liver cell nuclei under light microscopy,and the yolk granules in the oocytes were also filledwith positive particles.