The Electrophoretic α;1-Globulin Pattern of Serum in α;1-Antitrypsin Deficiency

Abstract

The fairly well outlined band normally occurring in the slow [alpha]1-zone on paper electrophoretic strips is produced by the glycoprotein [alpha]1-antitrypsin. Case reports of 5 patients with markedly reduced concentration of [alpha]1-antitrypsin in the serum are presented together with the results of the serum analysis. Immunological findings indicate that the concentration of the a1-anti-trypsin in their sera was only a few percent of normal. Some connection between degenerative pulmonary disease and [alpha]1-antitrypsin deficiency is suggested. The primary cause may be an inborn error.