摘要：We studied the superoxide-scavenging ability (SOD-like ability) of the plasma of mares and foals before and after delivery through the use of the ESR method, with which superoxide radicals (O2-) can be detected more specifically than with conventional methods. Superoxide-scavenging ability was measured in the plasma of seven mares before delivery, and in the plasma of seven pairs of mares and foals immediately after delivery and three days, seven days, and 21 days after delivery. In the foals, a significant change was observed, with the highest superoxide-scavenging ability level seen immediately after delivery, followed by a sudden decline to three days after birth, and a gradual decline to seven days after birth. In the mares, no significant change was observed between before and after delivery. It was also shown that SOD-like ability tends to be high in mares after they develop diseases. This suggests a close association between disease and superoxide-scavenging ability.
