Temporal effects of plasmapheresis on serum proteins in horses.

The study investigates how repeated plasmapheresis (a process of removing plasma from the blood) affects the levels of proteins in the blood of horses. The researchers found that plasmapheresis reduced levels of total protein, albumin, and IgG but did not significantly impact other blood values. The decreased protein levels generally recovered within a month and no complications were detected with repeated procedures over a period of 30 days.

Underlying Methodology

• The researchers carried out plasmapheresis on eight horses that were part of a commercial antibody enterprise to examine the impact of the procedure on the temporal response of blood and serum proteins.
• The volume of plasma removed during each procedure ranged between 4 and 11 liters.
• The research team measured changes in total protein, albumin, and IgG levels in the horses’ blood and serum, following each plasmapheresis.
• The blood was also tested for any alterations in erythrocyte (red blood cells) or leukocyte (white blood cells) counts, and changes in the proportions of serum protein were profiled using electrophoresis.

Key Findings

• It was observed that plasmapheresis led to marked decreases in the values of total protein, albumin, and IgG. However, except for an elevated hematocrit value in the first post-plasmapheresis sample, there were no significant changes in erythrocyte or leukocyte measurements.
• Similarly, the proportions of serum protein, as analyzed via electrophoresis, also remained unchanged.
• Regression equations were developed for protein recovery after plasmapheresis. These equations suggested that the levels of total protein and albumin tended to return to their pre-plasmapheresis values in about a month.
• Repeated plasmapheresis, conducted between 7 and 19 times at 30-day intervals, did not lead to any detectable complications.

Implications of the Study

• The results of this study enhance the understanding of how plasmapheresis impacts serum protein levels in horses, and the speed at which these levels normalize following the procedure. Such knowledge can aid in managing and monitoring the health of horses that undergo repeated plasmapheresis.
• Furthermore, the fact that no complications were observed with repeated plasmapheresis, conducted at 30-day intervals, provides useful insights for setting protocols in the commercial antibody production process using equine plasma.