| Abstract: | The cystine aminopeptidase (CAP) activity was determined in plasma from guinea pigs at various stages of gestation and in pregnant guinea pigs infected with Campylobacter fetus subspecies intestinalis. The CAP activity decreased with length of gestation, which is in contrast to the changes in activity in persons. Infected guinea pigs near the time of abortion can be distinguished from normal guinea pigs on the basis of plasma CAP activity, if the plasma samples are taken 1 to 2 days before abortion. Among pregnant guinea pigs at the same stage of gestation, CAP activity was lower for infected than for normal pregnant animals. This test might be used to indicate probable disruption of placentation and the onset of abortion in the guinea pig. |
