Studies of the Value of the Plasma Proteins in the Classification of the Elasmobranch Fishes

During the three-year period of this project, blood samples were taken from two species of cyclostomes, 27 species of elasmobranchs, and for comparative purposes 24 species of bony fishes and 9 species of higher vertebrates. All samples were processed through the microzone cellulose acetate electrophoretic equipment as well as duplicate runs for many species through acrylamide gel disc electrophoresis process. From these data it can be stated that (1) those elasmobranchs and bony fishes studied do have characteristic electrophoretic and ultracentrifuge patterns which can be used in systematic studies as an aid in species and group identification; (2) and because of the effects of stress and maturity, caution must be taken when interpreting the results from a single animal. (3) Elasmobranchs, contrary to some reports, do have an albumin-like component in their serum which in the ultracentrifuge and electrophoretically is close to, if not identical, with mammalian albumin; (4) physiological changes resulting from environmental stress are reflected in the serum protein and deserve intensive study because of their adaptive values. (Author)