Biochemical Significance of Serum Glycoproteins. III. Hepatic Production of α1 and α2 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.