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STUDIES ON THE BLOOD PROTEINS : II. THE ALBUMIN-GLOBULIN RATIO IN EXPERIMENTAL INTOXICATIONS AND INFECTIONS.
1George Williams Hooper Foundation for Medical Research of the University of California Medical School, San Francisco.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Intestinal obstruction causes significant changes in blood serum proteins, specifically increasing globulin levels. This globulin increase may serve as a diagnostic marker for acute infections and toxic absorption.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pathophysiology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Intestinal obstruction and closed loop injuries lead to intoxication with characteristic blood serum protein alterations.
- The normal albumin-globulin ratio is disrupted, with a notable increase in the globulin fraction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changes in coagulable blood serum proteins during intoxication from intestinal obstruction.
- To assess the diagnostic potential of these protein alterations in acute infections and toxic exudate absorption.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of blood serum protein fractions (albumin and globulin) in experimental animals with induced intestinal obstructions.
- Observation of protein changes in relation to complications like loop rupture and peritonitis.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in blood serum globulin was observed in animals with intestinal obstruction, particularly with complications like peritonitis.
- The albumin-globulin ratio was altered, sometimes showing complete inversion.
- Animals developing tolerance to proteose intoxication did not exhibit a globulin increase, suggesting it's not a marker of resistance.
Conclusions:
- The observed rise in blood globulins is likely a result of metabolic disturbances due to tissue disintegration and toxic product absorption, rather than a direct indicator of bacterial invasion or immune resistance.
- These changes in blood protein fractions hold potential diagnostic value for acute conditions involving toxic absorption.
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