Genetic heterogeneity of alpha-1-antitrypsin in the Galician population

Alpha-1-antitrypsin phenotypes were determined in a sample of 496 individuals from Galicia (Northwest Spain) using isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gel slabs. Although PMi is the most frequently occurring allele the Galicians are having one of the highest PSi frequencies so far recorded. An allelocline for the distribution of the PSi allele within Europe is discussed. Statistical comparisons with other populations are also made.