The Plasma Proteins

List of ContributorsPrefaceContents of Other Volumes1 Perspectives-Past, Present, and Future I. Introduction II. Historical III. Characterization of the Plasma Proteins IV. The Scroll of the Plasma Proteins V. Genetic Markers in Plasma Proteins VI. Primary Structure and Three-Dimensional Conformation of Plasma Proteins VII. Conclusion References2 Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Omega-The Roster of the Plasma Proteins I. Introduction II. Serum Albumin III. Thyroxine-Binding Proteins IV. a- and ß-Glycoproteins in Search of a Function V. a1-Globulins VI. a2-Globulins VII. ß-Globulins VIII. Minor Low Molecular Weight Proteins with y or Basic Mobility and Unknown Function IX. Lipoproteins X. The Complement System XI. Coagulation Proteins XII. Immunoglobulins References3 Serum Albumin I. Introduction II. Purification and Properties III. Metabolism, Physiological Functions, and Alterations in Disease IV. Genetic Aspects and Phylogeny References4 a1-Acid Glycoprotein I. Introduction II. Isolation and Purification III. Crystallization IV. Chemical Properties V. Physicochemical Properties VI. Immunochemical Properties VII. Studies on the Structure of the Carbohydrate Moiety VIII. Polymorphism IX. The Carbohydrate-Protein Linkage X. The Amino Acid Sequence XI. The Amino Acid Substitutions XII. Homology with Other Plasma Proteins XIII. Secondary Structure XIV. Genetically Determined Protein Variants XV. Metabolism XVI. Speculations Pertaining to the Biological Role References5 Protease Inhibitors in Plasma I. Introduction II. a1-Antitrypsin III. a2-Macroglobulins IV. Other Protease Inhibitors of Plasma V. Comparative Biochemistry References6 Transferrin I. Introduction II. Purification and Physical Properties III. Chemical Composition and Molecular Structure IV. Genetic Variation and Population Distribution V. Physiological Function, Biosynthesis, and Variations in Disease VI. Phylogenetic Distribution References7 Serum Lipoproteins I. Introduction II. Intact Lipoproteins III. Lipoprotein Apoproteins IV. Human Disorders Associated with Serum Lipoprotein Abnormalities V. Genetic Polymorphism VI. Serum Lipoproteins in Species Other than Man VII. Biosynthesis and Metabolism of Serum Lipoproteins VIII. Physiological Function and Evolutionary Advantages IX. Perspectives References8 The Complement System I. Introduction II. Nomenclature III. General Molecular Dynamics IV. The Classical Pathway V. The Proteins and Reaction Products of the Classical Pathway VI. The Alternative Pathway VII. The Proteins and Reaction Products of the Alternative Pathway VIII. Regulators of the Complement System IX. Conclusion References9 ß2-Microglobulin I. Introduction II. Purification and Physical Properties III. Chemical Composition and Structure IV. Physiological Function, Biosynthesis, and Catabolism V. Presence and Function in Cell Membranes VI. Conclusions ReferencesSubject Index