Age Changes in the Plasma Glycoproteins of the Mongolian Gerbil. ∗

Summary

Age-related changes in the plasma glycoproteins of the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) were studied in animals ranging in age from 1–3 days to 28 months. Analyses were performed using paper electrophoresis and periodic acid-Schiff staining, and glycoprotein percent composition values were calculated for albumin, alpha₁-, alpha₂-, beta- and gamma-globulin fractions. Alpha₁-/beta-globulin glycoprotein ratios decreased with increasing age. Least affected by animal aging were the alpha₂- and beta-globulin fractions, whereas the greatest percent changes were shown by alpha₁-globulin, which steadily decreased with increasing age. All five plasma fractions contained significant quantities of glycoprotein material.