Alterations in Serum Proteins of Hibernating Hamsters.

Abstract

Alterations in various fractions of serum proteins and hematocrits were studied in hibernating and non-hibernating hamsters. During hibernation the hematocrit, serum albumin and beta-globulins increased to a significant extent. The increase in beta-globulins was too large to be accounted for on the basis of simple hemoconcentration. Since concentrations of neither alpha1 nor alpha2-globulin increased, the data were interpreted to mean that total circulating quantity of these globulins decreased. A marked decline in concentration of gamma-globulin occurred.