The pattern of human plasma proteins has been determined by electrophoretic analysis in 160 cases representing various pathological conditions. The concentration of albumin was lower than normal in 83% of the cases examined and the depression was most marked in cases of malnutrition and nephrosis. It is interpreted as indicative of the use of serum albumin as a reserve protein pool and of deterioration in the nutriture of persons who are ill. A rise in the level of fibrinogen was observed in 55% of the cases, frequently in the absence of infection. The constancy of α1-globulin between 0.25 and 0.50% was notable. The concentration was lowered in lymphatic leukemia and chronic hepatitis, and raised rarely. There were greater fluctuations in α2-globulin; a rise above 0.9% occurred in lymphatic diseases, nephrosis, and bone and joint conditions. A fall below 0.5% occurred only in hepatic portal cirrhosis. The level of β-globulin was relatively constant. It was raised most notably in nephrosis and disturbances of the bone marrow. Frequent fluctuations of the γ-globulins were observed, and a rise occurred most constantly in chronic hepatic infection and disturbances in the bone marrow but not in lymphatic diseases. Some evidence is presented showing the level of γ-globulinas inversely proportional to the number of lymphocytes. The importance of some unidentified cells of the bone marrow as a site of the origin of plasma proteins is stressed, with respect to α2-,β-, and γ-globulins.
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