Comparison of surface hydrophobicity of piliated and non-piliated clones of Corynebacterium renale and Corynebacterium pilosum

Piliated (P+) and non-piliated (P-) clones of Corynebacterium renale and C. pilosum were similar in hydrophobicity as measured by hydrophobic interaction chromatography, bacterial adherence to hydrocarbons and the salt aggregation test. Therefore, the previously reported adherence of P+ clone to various cells, which is more effective than that of P- clone, may be uncorrelated with the degree of hydrophobicity of both clones of these bacteria. Hydrophobicity of P+ and P- clones was found to be high when measured by hydrophobic interaction chromatography and bacterial adherence to hydrocarbons, but low when measured by the salt aggregation test.     

Morphologic features and hydrophobicity of the cell surface of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae.

Cell surface hydrophobicity of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae was evaluated by phase partitioning in a hydrocarbon-aqueous mixture, by hydrophobic interaction chromatography, and by salting out with ammonium sulfate. Results obtained by use of these techniques gave evidence that the cell surface of M hyopneumoniae is weakly hydrophobic, compared with strongly hydrophobic Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I and hydrophilic Klebsiella pneumoniae. After treatment of the organisms with trypsin, M hyopneumoniae became less hydrophobic as measured by hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Significant changes in hydrophobicity were not seen after periodate treatment. Electron microscopy of M hyopneumoniae treated with polycationic ferritin revealed an intermediate, compact, unlabeled layer between the cytoplasmic membrane and an external, heavily labeled layer. Electron microscopy of ferritin-labeled M hyopneumoniae after treatment with trypsin or periodate revealed the intermediate layer to be composed of a trypsin-sensitive protein(s). The outer layer was made of periodate-sensitive carbohydrate(s). Therefore, it appears that proteins in the intermediate layer confer at least part of the total hydrophobicity of the mycoplasmal cell and may contribute to adherence of M hyopneumoniae to target respiratory cells by hydrophobic interactions.     

Haemagglutinating and hydrophobic properties of Corynebacterium (Eubacterium) suis

Corynebacterium (Eubacterium) suis strains from boars and sows haemagglutinated erythrocytes of different animal species (calf, guinea pig, poultry, pig, and human).The haemaigglutination was man nose resistant (MR) and was neither inhibited by L-fucose nor D-galactose. The hydrophobicity measured by salt aggregation test (0.1–0.9 mol/1 (NH₄)₂SO₄) and the hydrophobic interaction chromatography test (90 % retention in octyl sepharose) together with the haemagglutinating activity, indicated the presence of fimbriae on the bacteria. The haemagglutinating and hydrophobic properties were heat-sensitive (60°C for 10 min) suggestive of the presence of a protein structure. Two types of fimbria-tion were demonstrated by electron microscopy. Fetuin and glyco^ protein inhibited the haemagglutination, whereas porcine mucin was without any effect. These results indicate that branched glycoproteins might be important receptors for these fimbriae.The pathogenic aspects of C. suis are discussed, based on recent acquired knowledge of the effect of other pyelonephritogenic bacteria.     

Lipoprotein metabolism and hyperlipidaemia in the clog and cat: A review

The term hyperlipidaemia is used to describe raised plasma concentrations of cholesterol and, or, triglycerides. These aqueous insoluble lipids are transported through plasma in special particles called lipoproteins of which there are four main types; chylomicrons, very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL). A transient rise in plasma triglycerides occurs following a meal as dietary fat is carried from the small intestine into the circulation by chylomicrons; this is called post prandial hyperlipidaemia. In addition, hyperlipidaemia is caused by defects in the metabolism of one or more of the lipoprotein classes which may be either genetic in origin or, more commonly in the dog and the cat, secondary to diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism, and renal and hepatic disease. Hypertriglyceridaemia is caused by reduced clearance of chylomicrons and VLDL, sometimes with overproduction of VLDL, whereas hypercholesterolaemia results from altered metabolism of LDL and HDL. Raised plasma triglycerides interfere with a number of clinical chemistry tests and may be associated with cutaneous xanthomata, vomiting and diarrhoea, peripheral nerve paralyses, seizures, pancreatitis, hepatosplenomegaly and lipaemia retinalis. The clinical manifestations of hypercholesterolaemia in the dog are few and largely confined to the eye. Diagnostic efforts should concentrate on determining whether the hyperlipidaemia is either genetic in origin or secondary to endocrine and systemic diseases. Plasma lipid concentrations usually return to normal with effective therapy of any underlying disease. Where no such disease can be identified, the hyperlipidaemia should be considered idiopathic in origin and the patient placed on a low fat diet.     

Transport of fatty acids within plasma lipoproteins in lactating and non‐lactating cows fed on fish oil and hydrogenated palm oil

The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of dietary fish oil (FO) and a blend of FO and hydrogenated palm oil (FOPO) on transport of fatty acids (FA) within plasma lipoproteins in lactating and non‐lactating cows. Two trials were conducted (one with lactating and another with non‐lactating dairy cows) in two 3 × 3 Latin squares that included three periods of 21 days. Dietary treatments for lactating cows consisted of a basal diet (Control; no fat supplement), and fat‐supplemented diets containing FO (500 g/day/cow) and FOPO (250 FO + 250 g/day/cow hydrogenated palm oil). For non‐lactating cows, dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet (Control; no fat supplement), and fat‐supplemented diets containing FO (170 g/day/cow) and FOPO (85 FO + 85 hydrogenated palm oil g/day/cow). In lactating cows, compared with control and FOPO, FO increased C16:0, C18:3 cis‐9, 12, 15, C18:2 cis‐9, trans‐11 and total saturated and polyunsaturated FA in plasma and increased C16:0, C18:2 cis‐9, trans‐11, total polyunsaturated and total polyunsaturated n‐6 in high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), whereas in non‐lactating cows, compared with control and FOPO, FO increased C16:0, C18:1 trans‐11, C18:2 trans‐9, 12, C18:2 cis‐9, trans‐11, C20:5 n‐3 and total saturated and polyunsaturated FA in plasma; C16:0, C18:1 trans‐11, C18:1 cis‐9, C18:2 trans‐9, 12, C20:5 n‐3 and total monounsaturated FA in HDL; and C18:1 trans‐6‐8, C18:1 trans‐9, C18:1 trans‐10, C18:1 trans‐11, C18:3 cis‐9, 12, 15 and C20:5 n‐3 in low‐density lipoprotein (LDL). FO increased C20:5 n‐3 in plasma and lipoproteins in non‐lactating cows and increased C18:3 cis‐9, 12, 15 in plasma (in lactating cows) and LDL (in non‐lactating cows). We concluded from results of this study that in bovine plasma, the LDL fraction appears to be the main lipoprotein transporting C18:1 trans isomers and is more responsive than other lipoprotein fractions to variation in supply of dietary lipids.     

Hypolipidaemic effects of potato protein and fish protein in pigs

This study was performed to assess the effects of potato protein and fish protein on concentrations of lipids in plasma and lipoproteins and the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism in pigs used as an animal model. Therefore, 27 young male pigs with an average body weight of 22 kg were fed diets supplemented with protein extracted from potatoes (containing 849 g protein/kg dry matter), Alaska Pollack fillet as a source of fish protein (containing 926 g crude protein/kg dry matter) or casein which was used as control, for 3 weeks. Diets were formulated to supply identical amounts of each protein to the pigs by the three protein sources, namely 116 g/day in first week and 150 g/day in the second and third week. Pigs fed potato protein had lower concentrations of cholesterol in plasma and LDL than pigs fed casein (p < 0.05); no effect was observed on concentrations of HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Pigs fed fish protein had lower cholesterol concentrations in plasma, LDL and HDL, and lower triglyceride concentrations in triglyceride-rich lipoproteins than pigs fed casein (p < 0.05). mRNA concentrations of genes involved in bile acid synthesis and cholesterol uptake were higher in pigs fed fish protein than in pigs fed casein (p < 0.05); no effect on these genes was observed in pigs fed potato protein. Expression of genes involved in lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation was not altered by fish protein. In conclusion, this study shows that fish protein and potato protein lower plasma cholesterol concentrations in pigs. The hypocholesterolaemic effect of fish protein might be in part caused by a stimulation of bile acid synthesis; the reason for the hypocholesterolaemic effect of potato protein requires further elucidation.     

Properties of alkaline‐hydrolyzed waterfowl feather keratin

The properties of hydrolyzed feather keratin (HFK) were compared to those of hydrolyzed wool keratin (HWK) with the aim of developing better ways to utilize feather keratin waste. Amino acid analysis showed that HFK contained more hydrophobic amino acids did than HWK. Although gel permeation chromatography indicated that HFK and HWK had more low‐molecular weight peptides than their intact sources, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that both hydrolyzed keratins retained their original secondary structure. The physical properties of HFK were evaluated by treating HFK to human hair fibers. HFK treatment enhanced significantly the surface hydrophobicity and strength of fibers, and HFK was more permeable into hair fibers. These results suggest that HFK is suitable for industrial applications to improve fibers. In addition, HFK may be suitable for raw material of products requiring both flexibility and hydrophobicity, such as films and biodegradable plastics.     

Difference in hydrophobicity of human and animal IgA.

We have used hydrophobic interaction chromatography on Phenyl-Sepharose CL-4B to compare the hydrophobicity of human IgA with the IgAs of eight animal species. The results suggest that the degree of difference between the various IgAs increases with increasing phylogenetic distance.     

Effect of dietary fish oil on fatty acid deposition and expression of cholesterol homeostasis controlling genes in the liver and plasma lipid profile: comparison of two animal models

The objective of the present study was to compare hepatic fatty acid deposition, plasma lipid level and expression of cholesterol homeostasis controlling genes in the liver of rats (Wistar Albino; n = 32) and pigs (Large White × Landrace; n = 32) randomly assigned into two groups of 16 animals each and fed 10 weeks the diet with either 2.5% of fish oil (F; source of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid, EPA+DHA) or 2.5% of palm oil (P; high content of saturated fatty acids; control). F‐rats deposited in the liver three times less EPA, but 1.3 times more DHA than F‐pigs (p < 0.05). Dietary fish oil relative to palm oil increased PPARα and SREBP‐2 gene expression much strongly (p < 0.01) in the pig liver in comparison with the rat liver, but expression of Insig‐1 and Hmgcr genes in the liver of the F‐pigs relative to the expression of these genes in the liver of the P‐pigs was substantially lower (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05 respectively) as compared to rats. When plasma lipid concentration in the F‐animals was expressed as a ratio of the plasma concentration in the P‐counterparts, dietary fish oil decreased HDL cholesterol less (p < 0.01), but LDL cholesterol and triacylglycerols more (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001 respectively) in rats than in pigs: more favourable effect of fish oil on rat plasma lipids in comparison with pigs can therefore be concluded. Concentration of total cholesterol and both its fractions in the rat plasma was negatively correlated (p < 0.01) with hepatic DHA, but also with unsaturated myristic and palmitic acid respectively. It has been concluded that regarding the similarity of the plasma lipid levels to humans, porcine model can be considered superior; however, using this model, dietary fish oil at the tested amount (2.5%) was not able to improve plasma lipid markers in comparison with saturated palm oil.     

动物油脂中DNA的提取及牛、羊源性成分的PCR检测

用异硫氰酸胍法提取鱼油、加入牛肉DNA的鱼油、加入山羊肉DNA的互油和牛油中的DNA。18S rDNA片段以及牛、羊源性成分的PCR扩增结果表明，建立的动物油脂DNA提取方法是可行的。用建立的DNA提取方法提取3份送检鱼油的DNA，牛、羊源性成分的PCR检测结果均为阴性。     

Progesterone production by cultured luteal cells in the presence of bovine low- and high-density lipoproteins purified by heparin affinity chromatography.

The objectives of this study were to separate plasma lipoprotein particles based on the presence (low-density lipoproteins; LDL) or absence of apolipoprotein B (high-density lipoproteins; HDL) and to compare the abilities of bovine LDL and HDL to stimulate progesterone production by bovine luteal cells in culture. Plasma lipoproteins were isolated by ultracentrifugation and separated into LDL and HDL by heparin affinity chromatography. Luteal cultures were treated with LDL or HDL cholesterol for 48 h on d 3 of the culture (d 0 = day of dissociation). Progesterone production by luteal cells increased in a dose-dependent manner with increasing concentrations of either LDL or HDL cholesterol. There were no differences in the ability of LDL or HDL cholesterol to stimulate luteal cells to produce progesterone. Because LDL and HDL were equally potent, and experiment was designed to investigate the ability of modified LDL or reconstituted particles without apolipoproteins to stimulate progesterone production. Stimulation of luteal cell progesterone production by lysine-modified LDL was 70% of unmodified LDL. Progesterone production in the presence of phosphatidylcholine liposomes or BSA containing cholesterol was 50 and 108% of that obtained with HDL or LDL. Evidence indicated that apolipoprotein-free particles that contained free cholesterol but not cholesterol esters stimulated luteal cells to produce progesterone.     

Field evaluation of some bait additives against Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) (Rodentia: Hystricidae)

This research study evaluated the effect of different additives on the bait consumption by Indian crested porcupine, a serious forest and agricultural pest, under field conditions. Different additives (saccharin, common salt, bone meal, fish meal, peanut butter, egg yolk, egg shell powder, yeast powder, mineral oil and coconut oil) at 2 and 5% each were tested for their relative preference, using groundnut–maize (1:1) as basic bait. All the additives were tested under a no‐choice test pattern. For control tests, no additive was mixed with the basic bait. Saccharin at 5% concentration significantly enhanced the consumption of bait over the basic bait, while 2% saccharin supplemented bait resulted in a non‐significant bait consumption. All other additives did not enhance the consumption of the bait material; rather, these worked as repellents. However, the repellency was lowest with the common salt, followed by egg yolk, egg shell powder, bone meal, peanut butter, mineral oil, fish meal and yeast powder, while coconut remained the most repellent compound. The present study suggested that groundnut–maize (1:1) supplemented with 5% saccharin was the preferred bait combination, and can be used with different rodenticides for the management of Indian crested porcupine.     

Hydrophobic surface properties of Bordetella bronchiseptica X-mode cells and their possible role in adherence to porcine nasal mucosa.

Bordetella bronchiseptica strains were examined to determine whether the surface hydrophobicity of the bacteria correlates with their adherence to porcine nasal epithelial cells. The relative hydrophobicity of the bacteria, measured by their retention to a column of hydrophobic phenyl-Sepharose gel and their aggregation in ammonium sulfate solution, correlated well with their adhesive properties. Phase I cells in X-mode, which adhered well to the epithelial cells, were conspicuously hydrophobic. The cells in C-mode and degraded phases, which adhered poorly to the epithelial cells, were relatively hydrophilic. These observations provide evidence for the suspected role of hydrophobic interactions in the adherence of B. bronchiseptica to porcine nasal mucosa.     

Immunohistochemical and histoplanimetrical study on the endothelial receptor involved in transportation of minute chylomicrons into subepithelial portal blood in intestinal villi of the rat jejunum

A portion of the minute chylomicrons less than 75 nm in diameter are transcytosed from the extravascular tissue into the subepithelial blood capillaries (sBC) in the villous apices of the rat jejunum. However, the details of the transportation mechanism have not been clarified. In this study, the endothelial receptor involved in the transportation of minute chylomicrons into the sBC’s lumina was immunohistochemically and histoplanimetrically examined in intestinal villi of the rat jejunum. Immunopositivity for very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) receptor was detected on the luminal and basal surfaces of the endothelial cells of sBC in approximately 68% of those apices of jejunal villi that possessed numerous chylomicrons in the lamina propria, while VLDL receptor was detected on the endothelial cells of sBC in only approximately 8% of intestinal villi that possessed few or no chylomicrons in the lamina propria. No immunopositivity for LDL receptor was detected in the sBC of all intestinal villi. These findings suggest that VLDL receptor is expressed by the endothelial cells of the sBC in conjunction with the filling of the lamina propria of jejunal villi with many chylomicrons produced by the villous columnar epithelial cells and that the VLDL receptor mediates the transportation of minute chylomicrons, maybe VLDL, into the subepithelial portal blood from the extravascular tissue of the rat jejunal villi.     

The isolation, characterisation and quantification of the equine plasma lipoproteins

Plasma lipoproteins were isolated from eight Thoroughbred horses and eight Shetland ponies on the basis of particle size by gel filtration chromatography and according to density using rate-zonal ultracentrifugation. Three major classes corresponding to very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL) were identified and characterised by their lipid and apolipoprotein compositions. The particle size distributions of each class were determined by electron microscopy and non-denaturing polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis. HDL was found to dominate the equine lipoprotein spectrum, accounting for 61 per cent of the total plasma lipoprotein mass (VLDL 24 per cent, LDL 15 per cent). The VLDL class was isolated as a single population of particles that were triglyceride rich and cholesterol, phospholipid and protein poor. Equine LDL was characteristically cholesterol rich and was found to be polydisperse comprising three subfractions that were discrete with respect to particle size and lipid composition. The HDL class was composed of homogeneous particles that were typically protein rich. Apolipoprotein (apo) B was the major protein of VLDL and LDL, and presented two components on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with molecular weights in the region of human apoB-100 and a third in VLDL similar to that of apoB-48. ApoA-I was the predominant protein in equine HDL. Although there were no breed differences in the physical or chemical properties of each lipoprotein class, the Shetland ponies had higher plasma triglyceride and VLDL concentrations than their Thoroughbred counterparts.     

金属离子对蛋清蛋白质结构的影响研究

本文旨在探讨各种金属离子对腌制鸭蛋蛋清蛋白质结构的影响。研究发现:金属离子腌蛋后增加了蛋清蛋白质的β-折叠,分子展开而促进交联。但长时间金属离子的处理可导致蛋白质分子通过疏水作用部分簇集,使其表面疏水性下降。蛋清蛋白加热后α-螺旋减少、β-折叠比例增加,同时增加蛋白质表面疏水性,金属离子通过影响蛋清蛋白结构,促进蛋白质在加热过程中随机聚集,形成凝胶网络交联度降低,结构粗糙、空洞多、网络不均匀,从而影响蛋清凝胶结构特性。二价金属离子对蛋清蛋白质构象和蛋清凝胶微观结构的影响较一价离子更强,亦基本符合霍夫曼斯特离子序。     

Membrane stability and mitochondrial activity of bovine sperm frozen with low-density lipoproteins and trehalose

Cryopreservation results in the destabilization of the sperm plasma membrane, leading to negative side effects such as premature cryocapacitation, apoptosis and the low mitochondrial activity of bovine spermatozoa. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and trehalose have been used in seminal freezing to protect the integrity and stability of sperm membranes. Likewise, trehalose can increase the mitochondrial activity of sperm. The objective of this study was to evaluate the membrane stability and mitochondrial activity of bovine sperm after being frozen and treated with LDL sources and trehalose. Ten ejaculates from five bulls were cryopreserved under the treatments, CEY: chicken egg yolk (20% v/v); CCEY: centrifuged CEY (20% v/v); LDL: LDL (8% v/v); T: trehalose (100 mM); and TLDL: T (100 mM) plus LDL (8% v/v). After thawing, membrane stability and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨM) were assessed by flow cytometry through the M-540/Yopro-1 and DiOC6/PI probes. The structural membrane integrity (SMI) was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy using SYBR14/PI dyes. A generalized linear model was adjusted, and the means were compared using the Tukey test. Centrifuged chicken egg yolk and LDL had a higher proportion of non-cryocapacitated non-apoptotic sperm (M−Y−), while CEY and T had the largest populations of cryocapacitated non-apoptotic sperm (M+Y−) and cryocapacitated apoptotic sperm (M+Y+). Centrifuged chicken egg yolk also showed a higher proportion of sperm with high-ΔΨM. Treatments that included egg yolk or purified LDL had a positive effect on SMI. Centrifuged chicken egg yolk has a superior cryoprotective effect on membrane stability and mitochondrial activity of bovine semen over the conventional use of CEY or the individual or simultaneous use of LDL and trehalose.     

Bovine lipoprotein and apolipoprotein profiles as influenced by sex and growth.

Three (intact) Angus males and females that were half-sibs and born within 21 d of each other were selected for this study. Each animal was bled periodically from birth to slaughter (18 mo) to determine the qualitative composition of plasma lipoproteins and apolipoproteins during its growth and development. Major components observed were: 1) very low-density (VLDL), 2) low-density (LDL), and 3) high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Individual amounts of triglycerides, cholesterol, and proteins for the VLDL were not different (P greater than .05) between sexes at any time during growth and development. At 1 yr of age and 15 mo of age, females had significantly larger (143.4 and 93.5 mg/dl) amounts of protein in the HDL than males (67.0 and 93.5 mg/dl), respectively. Within the male group, the LDL triglyceride concentration of calves was significantly (P less than .05) higher (7.4 mg/dl) than at all other bleeding times. Within the female group, cholesterol values for the VLDL were significantly (P less than .05) larger as calves and weanlings (16.5 and 21.7 mg/dl respectively) than for other bleeding periods. At all stages of growth and development, the HDL apoprotein profiles showed a distinct band with a weight of about 28,000 Da, which represented apolipoprotein-A-I. During the suckling stage, pooling of LDL fractions provided two components on the acrylamide gel (7.5 to 20%), apolipoprotein-B and a low molecular weight band. At 12 and 15 mo, no low molecular weight band was present in the pooled LDL fraction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of lipoproteins and luteinizing hormone on progesterone production by large and small luteal cells throughout the porcine estrous cycle

Large and small cells were isolated from porcine corpora lutea (CL) on d 10, 15 or 18 of the estrous cycle. They were incubated 13 to 16 h in cholesterol- and serum-free media and then supplied with 0, 10, 50 or 100 micrograms of either porcine low density lipoprotein (LDL) or porcine high density lipoprotein (HDL). Each dose was supplemented with 0, 10, 50 or 100 ng of porcine LH. Media progesterone (P4) content was assessed immediately before and 2 and 24 h after addition of lipoproteins and LH. Production of P4 by large cells always exceeded that of small cells. Day 10 large cells were stimulated by LDL, unaffected by LH, and either inhibited or unaffected by HDL. No treatment affected d 10 small cells. Day 15 large cells and small cells were stimulated by both lipoproteins (LDL greater than HDL). The large cells were stimulated to a small extent by LH at 2 h (P less than .05). Large cells could be isolated from only two of five preparations of d 18 CL. Day 18 small cells produced a small quantity of P4 in a response which qualitatively resembled that of d 15 small cells. Cell type, cycle stage and lipoprotein (particularly LDL) were the major effectors of P4 production. The minimal response to LH supports the theory of autonomy of the porcine CL with respect to P4 production. Days 10 and 15 bracket the period of commitment to luteolysis, and the nature of P4 production by each cell type changed over that period.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The effect of Eimeria acervulina infection on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in young broiler chicks

In young broiler chicks inoculated with 2 x 10(6) sporulated oocysts of Eimeria acervulina per bird, total plasma lipids were significantly depressed compared with controls in the first week after inoculation. The lowest level observed was at 5 days post-inoculation (d.p.i.), at which time the chick host is known to experience malabsorption in the chick host (Ruff and Wilkins, 1980). Analysis of plasma components of infected chicks at 4 and 7 d.p.i. showed that triglycerides, total cholesterol, free fatty acids, pigments and total protein were significantly decreased compared with controls. At 7 d.p.i., reduction of total cholesterol reflected mainly reduction in high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. However, the ratio of HDL cholesterol/total plasma cholesterol was not significantly different from the control ratio. Density gradient ultracentrifugation of chick plasma separated lipoproteins into three main fractions: portomicrons plus very low density lipoproteins (PM + VLDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL) and HDL. These fractions were analyzed for lipid content. Infection with E. acervulina caused (1) significant reduction in the triglyceride and cholesterol contents of the PM + VLDL fraction at 3 and 5 d.p.i., (2) significant reduction of LDL cholesterol at 9 d.p.i. and LDL phospholipid at 5-9 d.p.i., and (3) significant reduction of HDL cholesterol at 3-9 d.p.i. and HDL phospholipid at 5-9 d.p.i. Starvation of uninfected chicks for 48 h caused significant reduction in plasma triglycerides and phospholipids, but an increase in total cholesterol. Density gradient ultracentrifugation showed that the changes in these components reflected mainly reduction of the lipids in the PM + VLDL fraction. The LDL fractions, however, appeared more intense than those of the controls and contained more cholesterol and phospholipids. These results suggest that changes at 3 and 5 d.p.i. in the plasma lipoprotein pattern of chicks infected with E. acervulina most closely resemble changes seen in chicks starved for 48 h as far as PM + VLDL fraction is concerned. However, changes seen from 7 to 9 d.p.i. involve the LDL and HDL fractions and may reflect alterations in lipid and/or lipoprotein synthesis in the liver and intestine.