Serum Protein Electrophoretic Pattern as a Differential Diagnostic Tool

Abstract

To ascertain the constituents of serum proteins in disordered organs, we evaluated these proteins by the zone electrophoresis method. The medium used was cellulose acetate paper with Barbital (veronal) at pH 8.6 as the buffer. Disease conditions studied were cirrhosis, kwashiorkor, nephritic syndrome, post hepatic obstruction, acute glomerulonephritis, multiple myeloma and rheumatoid arthritis. Results reflect different patterns for each of the disease condition. There was generalized decrease in albumin concentration except for post hepatic obstruction while cirrhosis elucidated two potent markers, a unique Beta(?) - Gamma (?) fusion in one case and a high elevation of the gamma which spread to the Beta leaving a gap (juvenile cirrhosis). We quantitated the albumin by the bromocresyl green method and the total protein by the Biuret method to support the electropherogram obtained. Inclusion of serum protein electrophoresis will give integrity to differential diagnosis in organ derangement.

Keywords: serum protein, albumin, globulins, electrophoresis, diagnostic.