Alpha-1 Zone
Orosomucoid and antitrypsin migrate together but orosmucoid stains poorly so alpha 1 antitrypsin (AAT) constitutes most of the alpha-1 band. Alpha-1 antitrypsin has an SG group and thiol compounds may be bound to the protein altering their mobility. A decreased band is seen in the deficiency state. It is decreased in the nephrotic syndrome and absence could indicate possible alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency. This eventually leads to emphysema from unregulated lung elastase breakdown by neutrophils in the lung tissue. The alpha-1 fraction does not disappear in alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, however, because other proteins, including alpha-lipoprotein and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein, also migrate there. As a positive acute phase reactant, AAT is increased in acute inflammation.
Bence Jones protein may bind to and retard the alpha-1 band.
Read more about this topic: Serum Protein Electrophoresis
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