Abnormal circulating globulin level
An abnormal concentration of globulins in the blood. Albumin makes up more than half of the total protein present in serum. The remaining blood proteins except albumin and fibrinogen (which is not in serum) are referred to as globulins. The globulin fraction includes hundreds of serum proteins including carrier proteins, enzymes, complement, and immunoglobulins. Most of these are synthesized in the liver, although the immunoglobulins are synthesized by plasma cells. Globulins are divided into four groups by electrophoresis. The four fractions are alpha1, alpha2, beta and gamma, depending on their migratory pattern between the anode and the cathode.
Term info
Abnormal circulating globulin level
Any increase or decrease in the globulin fraction should be evaluated by serum electrophoresis. The alpha1 fraction consists mainly of alpha1 antitrypsin, which is an acute phase reactant that goes up in acute inflammation. The alpha1 fraction is reduced in congenital alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency. The alpha2 region consists mainly of alpha2 macroglobulin and haptoglobin. The major beta globulin is transferring. Elevations can occur in severe iron deficiency.
peter
2019-01-06T14:01:21Z