The electrophoresis technique is the only reliable tecnique to detect paraproteins

General considerations about Proteins and Protein Electrophoresis


Serum proteins are separated by electrophoresis into albumin and globulins.

Albumin is the protein of highest concentration in the serum. It carries many small molecules, but is also of prime importance in maintaining the oncotic pressure of the blood .

Globulins are roughly divided into alpha-1, alpha-2, beta ( β1 and β2), and gamma globulins. These can be separated and quantitated in the laboratory by electrophoresis and densitometry.

The alpha-1 fraction includes alpha-1 anti-trypsin and thyroxine binding globulin.

The alpha-2 fraction contains haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, HDL and alpha-2 macroglobulin.Generally, alpha-1 and alpha-2 proteins levels increase in the presence of inflammation.

The beta fraction includes transferrin, plasminogen, and beta-lipoproteins.

The gamma fraction includes the various types of antibodies (immunoglobulins M, G, and A).

Electrophoresis  roughly measures the various types of protein in the serum portion of a blood sample. Individual proteins, with the exception of albumin are not usually measured by electrophoresis. However, protein fractions or groups are measured 






active³ 4.9 · © 2000 - 2013 IPS Ltd · Disclaimer