IMMUNOGLOBULINS IN STIMULATED TEARS OF DOGS

Immunoelectrophoresis and single radial immunodiffusion were used to i dentify and measure tear immunoglobulin concentrations in 50 healthy d ogs. Immunoglobulin A and IgG were detected in all samples analyzed, w hereas IgM was not detected in any sample. Mean IgA concentration was 25.28 +/- 1.9 mg/dl, adult dogs (> 18 months) having significantly hig her mean value. The IgA concentration related to age had significant ( P < 0.006) positive correlation; mean IgG concentration was 23.10 +/- 1.72 mg/dl. Linear correlation analysis revealed significant (P < 0.00 07) correlation coefficient between tear total protein and IgA concent rations. The IgA and IgG concentrations also were significantly (P < 0 .0001) correlated when expressed as milligrams per 100 mg of protein. Relation with sex was not established for either immunoglobulin.