Alpha-1-Acid Glycoprotein protein, Human

>, 95% (SDS-PAGE)

Found in human plasma at concentrations of 55-140 mg per 100 ml, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein is a classical standard glycoprotein for studies on the structure of the oligosaccharide units. Its carbohydrate content is 40%. Its biological significance is unknown, although it can bind progesterone 15 times as strongly as albumin. Sialic acid-deficient alpha-1-acid glycoprotein has an affinity for vitamin B-12. Clinically, alpha 1 acid glycoprotein is an acute-phase reactant that together with haptoglobin is an indicator of acute inflammation. The alpha 1 acid glycoprotein:haptolobin ratio is useful in studies of bone marrow disorders, hemolytic processes and metastases. It is expressed in the liver, its synthesis is controlled by glucocorticoids, interleukin-1 and interleukin-6, and it is secreted in plasma. It increases 5- to 50-fold upon inflammation.