Structure and Function of Plasma Proteins [Paperback]

1 Ontogeny of Human Plasma Proteins: Detection of the Onset and Site of Synthesis Using Genetic Markers and in Vitro Cultures.- 1.1. Introduction.- 1.2. Immunoglobulins.- 1.2.1. Classes and Subclasses and Genetic Markers.- 1.2.2. Synthesis of Ig Molecules at Cellular Level.- 1.2.3. Transfer of Immunoglobulins through the Placenta.- 1.2.4. Synthesis of Immunoglobulins during Fetal Life.- 1.3. Complement.- 1.3.1. The Components of Complement.- 1.3.2. Levels and Fetal Synthesis of the Components of C.- 1.4. Haptoglobin System.- 1.5. Transferrins.- 1.6. ?-Lipoprotein Variants: The Ag and Lp Systems.- 1.7. Group-Specific Components: The Gc System.- 1.8. ?1-Antitrypsin: The Pi System.- 1.9. Ceruloplasmin.- 1.10. Other Adult Plasma Proteins.- 1.11. Fetal Proteins.- 1.12. ?-Fetoprotein (AFP).- 1.12.1. AFP in Patients with Primary Cancer of Liver and Teratoblastoma.- 1.12.2. Amniotic Levels of AFP in Neural Tube Defects, Fetal and Placental Distress.- 1.13. Carcinoembryonic Antigen.- 1.14. Fetal Sulfoglycoprotein Antigen (FSA).- 1.15. Other Fetal Proteins Associated with Cancer.- 1.16. Conclusion.- References.- 2 Transferrin.- 2.1. Introduction.- 2.2. Historical.- 2.3. Physicochemical Properties of Transferrin.- 2.3.1. Molecular Weight.- 2.3.2. Amino Acid Composition.- 2.3.3. Carbohydrate Composition.- 2.3.4. Structure of Transferrin.- 2.4. The Metal-Binding Sites.- 2.4.1. Structure of the Binding Sites: Ligands.- 2.4.2. Strength of Metal Binding to Transferrin.- 2.4.3. The Role of Anions in Metal-Transferrin Complexes.- 2.4.4. Differences between Metal-Binding Sites.- 2.4.5. The Effect of Iron-Binding on Transferrin.- 2.4.6. The Binding of Metals Other than Iron.- 2.5. Functions of Transferrin.- 2.5.1. Iron Exchange.- 2.5.2. Bacteriostasis.- 2.6. Distribution and Metabolism.- 2.6.1. Atransferrinemia.- 2.6.2. Transferrin Levels in Plasma and Serum.- 2.6.3. Transferrin in Other Body Fluids.- 2.6.4. Factors Affecting Transferrin Levels in Plasma.- 2.6.5. Distribution and Catabl³“