Immunogenetic polymorphism of lipoproteins in swine: genetic, immunological and physiochemical characterization of the two allotypes Lpr1 and Lpr2.

Results of immunogenetic, immunochemical and physicochemical investigations on two serum allotypes of swine are reported. The allotypes, designated Lpr1 and Lpr2, have been identified by specific alloprecipitins in agar gel. Genetic studies indicate that the allotypes are specified by two codominant autosomal allelic genes, Lpr1 and Lpr2. All pigs 3 months of age or older were classified as belonging to one of three phenotypes, Lpr1, Lpr2 or Lpr1,2, each corresponding to one of three genotypes Lpr1/1, Lpr2/2 or Lpr1/2, respectively. The Lpr1 gene was absent or was found at low frequency in the breeds tested. The allotypes were found to occur in two physicochemical forms; in association with chylomicrons and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and, primarily, as a Lpr multimer free of the major lipoproteins showing very high density (VHD), d greater than 1.21 g/ml, and MW +/- 190,000. Gel-electrophoretic mobility for VHD-Lpr is different for each of the three Lpr genotypes residing in gamma-fast and beta-slow regions, but is identical for VLD-Lpr in which Lpr was found complexed with apo-B, migrating as VLDL in the alpha-2 slow (pre-beta) region. Serum levels of Lpr varied during the lifetime and between individuals and, especially, between sera of homozygous pigs being higher in Lpr1/1 than Lpr2/2. A linear relationship for Lpr1 and an atypical, inverse relationship for Lpr2 have been observed between the gene dosage, heterozygous vs. homozygous, and the Lpr serum level.