Lipoprotein and lipid profiles in the blood serum of the fetal, neonatal and adult pig.

As revealed by agarose gel electrophoresis and immunoassay, followed by staining with Sudan black, lipoproteins occur in the alpha-, pre-beta- and beta-regions of the serum of fetal, newborn, neonatal, juvenile and adult pigs. These lipoproteins undergo characteristic quantitative changes during development. After the onset of colostrum ingestion, a lipid-stainable zone appeared in the gamma-region of piglet's serum and sow colostrum/milk. The levels of total serum lipids, cholesterol, high and low density lipoproteins were low at birth in comparison to those of the adult pig, but increased to higher levels after the onset of colostrum and milk ingestion. After 3-8 weeks, the total lipids, cholesterol and low density lipoprotein values had decreased to adult level but the high density lipoprotein values remained high in comparison to the adult pig. It is discussed that the changes found in lipoprotein and lipid patterns in serum of the developing pig reflect changes in cellular metabolism and nutritional needs of the organism. It is suggested that the perinatal pig might be a useful model for studying the development of atherogenic diseases in man.