Biochemical Significance of Serum Glycoproteins. III. Hepatic Production of α 1 and α 2 Globulins Responding to Injury. ∗

Summary

Seromucoid fraction of rat serum was shown by immunoelectrophoresis to contain albumin (a trace), 2 α₁-globulins, including the α₁ of Darcy, 3 α₂ and 1 βglobulin. The changes in serum levels of the α₁-globulin of Darcy and haptoglobin (an α₂-globulin) were compared with the seromucoid fraction in rats 24 hours following laparotomy and partial hepatectomy. Both proteins, as well as the seromucoid fraction itself, were elevated following injury; these increases were either abolished or considerably reduced by partial hepatectomy. These observations are consistent with the concept that the liver is the major source of the α-globulins produced in response to injury.

We wish to express our gratitude to Dr. Douglas A. Darcy, Chester Beatty Research Institute, London, England, for a generous supply of anti α₁ rabbit serum and for determination of the ai-globulin level in a standard serum sample.