haptoglobin

haptoglobin /hap·to·glo·bin/ (hap″to-glo´bin) a plasma glycoprotein with alpha electrophoretic mobility that irreversibly binds free hemoglobin, resulting in removal of the complex by the liver and preventing free hemoglobin from being lost in the urine; it has two major genetic variants, Hp 1 and Hp 2.

---

hap·to·glo·bin (hpt-glbn)

n.

A plasma protein that is a normal constituent of blood serum and functions in the binding of free hemoglobin in the bloodstream.

---

Haptoglobin

A blood protein made by the liver. Its main role is to save iron by attaching itself to any hemoglobin released from a red cell.

Mentioned in: Haptoglobin Test, Protein Electrophoresis

---

haptoglobin

[hap′tōglō′bin]

Etymology: Gk, haptein, to grasp; L, globus, ball

a plasma protein whose only known function is to bind free hemoglobin. The quantity of haptoglobin is increased in certain chronic diseases and inflammatory disorders and is decreased or absent in hemolytic anemia. Normal adult findings range from 100 to 150 mg/dL. Compare transferrin. See also hemoglobinemia, hemoglobinuria.

---

haptoglobin [hap´to-glo″bin]

a group of serum alpha₂-globulin glycoproteins that bind free hemoglobin; three phenotypes, with differing abilities to bind hemoglobin, are distinguished electrophoretically.

---

haptoglobin

a group of serum alpha₂ globulin glycoproteins, produced by the liver, that bind free hemoglobin; important in acute phase reactions (response). The different types, genetically determined, are distinguished electrophoretically.

---

haptoglobin

A protein in the circulation that migrates in the α₂ portion of serum subjected to electrophoresis, a so-called acute phase reactant that ↑ in serum in acute inflammation or infection, stress, or necrosis Role Bind Hb released from RBCs undergoing hemolysis, preventing the accumulation of Hb in plasma; after iron has been removed, the haptoglobin-bound Hb is eliminated by the reticuloendothelial system.