Differences in electrophoresis patterns between plasma albumins of the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) and the chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus).

Unique migration patterns for chicken and cockatiel albumins were detected when electrophoresis was performed using cellulose acetate and agarose gel support media. Cockatiel albumin migrated to a position equivalent to chicken alpha globulins, while the migration of cockatiel prealbumin was similar to that of chicken albumin. A chicken prealbumin band was not detected. Cockatiel and chicken albumins purified by affinity chromatography had similar migration patterns when electrophoresis was performed under denaturing conditions [sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) ] in 7% polyacrylamide gel (PAGE). The molecular weights of both albumins were similar, and were estimated to be approximately 66,000 Da when compared to known molecular weight markers. The different migration patterns were attributed to variations in conformation and surface charge distribution of albumin molecules between the two species. The experimental and clinical consequences of these findings are briefly discussed.