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Structural, histochemical and biochemical observations on horse milk-fat-globule membranes and casein micelles.
Abstract: Horse milk fat globules (MFGs) and casein micelles were studied using freeze fracturing, freeze etching and thin-section electron microscopy, as well as lectin histochemistry, gel electrophoresis, and Western blotting. Horse MFGs were found to be relatively small, their average volume-surface diameter being about 2.75 microns. The MFG membrane is composed of three layers: an inner proteinaceous coat occasionally having a paracrystalline substructure, a unit membrane, and a prominent filamentous glycocalyx. The last is rich in glycoconjugates, as revealed by its binding of various lectins. In addition, the glycocalyx binds cationized ferritin, which indicates the presence of negative electric charges. Gel electrophoresis revealed the presence of high-molecular-weight glycoproteins in the MFG membrane of horse milk. Such glycoproteins are also present in human MFG membranes but are absent in the bovine MFGs. The casein micelles in horse milk are relatively large, their average volume-surface diameter being about 200 nm.
Publication Date: 1988-01-01 PubMed ID: 3366639DOI: 10.1007/BF00570295Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research article examines the structural, histochemical and biochemical properties of fat globules and casein micelles in horse milk using state of the art microscopy techniques and biochemical tests. Findings revealed that horse milk fat globules are smaller than others, they have a distinct three-layered membrane structure, with presence of high molecular weight glycoproteins. This structure differs from those in human or bovine milk.
Explanation of Research
The authors set out to study the microscopic and biochemical properties of horse milk, with a particular focus on milk fat globules (MFGs) and casein micelles. These particles give milk its creaminess and also carry important nutrients. Researchers used a variety of advanced analytical techniques to carry out this task.
- Freeze fracturing, freeze etching and thin-section electron microscopy: These techniques helped provide a detailed look at the structure of horse milk’s MFGs and casein micelles. Initial result showed that MFGs were relatively small in size.
- Lectin histochemistry: This is a technique used to detect glycoconjugates, complex molecules present in the MFG. The test revealed the presence of these molecules, indicating that the MFG membrane is rich in glycoconjugates.
- Gel electrophoresis and Western blotting: These techniques were used to profile the different protein types present in the MFGs. They showed high-molecular-weight glycoproteins in the MFG membrane.
Findings from the Research
- The MFGs in horse milk were found to have a distinct three-layered structure. The outer layer or glycocalyx was found to be rich in glycoconjugates. It also binds cationized ferritin, indicating the influence of negative electric charges.
- Apart from glycoconjugates, the MFG membrane also demonstrated the presence of high-molecular-weight glycoproteins. These were detected through the use of gel electrophoresis. In comparison, these glycoproteins were also found in human milk, but absent in bovine milk.
- Another significant finding was the size of casein micelles, which were relatively large compared to other species. The exact significance of this difference is not elaborated in the abstract.
Overall, the study provides a detailed picture of the structure and makeup of MFGs and casein micelles in horse milk thereby extending our understanding of the uniqueness and potential nutritional benefits of this milk type.
Cite This Article
APA
Welsch U, Buchheim W, Schumacher U, Schinko I, Patton S.
(1988).
Structural, histochemical and biochemical observations on horse milk-fat-globule membranes and casein micelles.
Histochemistry, 88(3-6), 357-365.
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00570295 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Anatomische Anstalt, Lehrstuhl II, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, Federal Republic of Germany.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Caseins / metabolism
- Cattle
- Female
- Histocytochemistry
- Horses / metabolism
- Humans
- Lectins
- Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism
- Micelles
- Microscopy, Electron
- Milk / metabolism
- Mucin-1
- Pregnancy
- Species Specificity
References
This article includes 16 references
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Citations
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