Acute phase proteins in canine and feline fetal fluids during the second half of gestation

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the acute phase proteins (serum amyloid A, alpha-1 acid glycoprotein, and C-reactive protein) profile in canine and feline fetal fluids during the second half of gestation. Seventeen pregnant domestic short-hair queens and 19 pregnant mixed-breed bitches were enrolled. Animals were divided into three groups according to their gestational age (30–39, 40–49, and 50–60 days). After ovariohysterectomy and sample collection, the concentration of the mentioned APPs was measured by the ELISA method. There was an increasing trend in the concentration of APPs in canine fetal fluids alongside increasing pregnancy age, but these changes were not statistically significant. Canine amniotic SAA concentration was significantly higher than allantoic. The highest concentration of SAA and CRP in the feline fetal fluids was observed at days 40–49, and the maximum concentration of AGP was observed at days 50–60. For the first time, the current study investigated the APPs profile in canine and feline fetal fluids during pregnancy. The maximum concentration of APPs was observed at the end of canine pregnancy and at days 40–49 of feline pregnancy.