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Identification of lactoferrin in bovine tears
M H Brown1, A H Brightman, B W Fenwick
1Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506-5606, USA.
American Journal of Veterinary Research
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Bovine tear film contains lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein. This discovery suggests lactoferrin may protect cattle eyes from bacterial infections by limiting iron availability.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary ophthalmology
- Animal science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Tear film composition is crucial for ocular health in cattle.
- Lactoferrin is an important iron-binding protein with antimicrobial properties found in mammalian secretions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of lactoferrin in bovine tear film.
- To characterize the identified protein using biochemical methods.
Main Methods:
- Protein analysis of pooled bovine tears using size exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
- Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) for molecular weight determination.
- Automated Edman degradation for amino acid sequencing and comparison with bovine lactoferrin.
Main Results:
- HPLC analysis revealed a protein peak with characteristics similar to purified bovine lactoferrin.
- SDS-PAGE indicated a molecular mass consistent with bovine lactoferrin (approximately 78 kDa).
- Amino acid sequencing confirmed the identity of the protein, showing 13 identical residues to bovine lactoferrin.
Conclusions:
- The study provides evidence for the presence of lactoferrin in bovine tear film.
- Lactoferrin in tears likely has a bacteriostatic role, potentially protecting the bovine ocular surface by sequestering iron from pathogens.