Which pattern best describes the immediate/acute-phase response on electrophoresis?

Which pattern best describes the immediate/acute-phase response on electrophoresis?

• A. Decreased albumin with increased alpha-1 and alpha-2
• B. Increased albumin with decreased gamma
• C. Decreased gamma only
• D. Increased gamma with beta bridging

Answer: (A)

During an acute inflammatory response, the liver shifts toward producing positive acute-phase proteins (such as those in the alpha-1 and alpha-2 regions) and reduces synthesis of albumin, a negative acute-phase reactant. On electrophoresis this shows as a drop in the albumin band with corresponding increases in the alpha-1 and alpha-2 bands. Gamma globulins may rise later due to increasing antibody production, but the immediate pattern that characterizes acute-phase response is decreased albumin with increased alpha-1 and alpha-2. The other patterns either imply an albumin rise, focus on gamma changes, or describe beta–gamma bridging, which isn’t the typical early change.

During an acute inflammatory response, the liver shifts toward producing positive acute-phase proteins (such as those in the alpha-1 and alpha-2 regions) and reduces synthesis of albumin, a negative acute-phase reactant. On electrophoresis this shows as a drop in the albumin band with corresponding increases in the alpha-1 and alpha-2 bands. Gamma globulins may rise later due to increasing antibody production, but the immediate pattern that characterizes acute-phase response is decreased albumin with increased alpha-1 and alpha-2. The other patterns either imply an albumin rise, focus on gamma changes, or describe beta–gamma bridging, which isn’t the typical early change.