alpha-antitrypsin
alpha-antitrypsin
A glycoprotein in the serum which can inactivate protein-splitting enzymes such a TRYPSIN, elastase and collagenase. A HOMOZYGOUS hereditary deficiency of alpha-antitrypsin can cause liver disease in infancy and childhood and, rarely CIRRHOSIS of the liver and emphysema in adults.Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005