Globulins

Serum (clotted blood)

A family of numerous immune-related proteins including acute phase proteins (e.g. SAA,
haptoglobin etc..), carrier proteins (e.g. cortisol binding globulin, transferrin etc…) and
immunoglobulins (e.g. IgG, IgM etc…). Synthesised by lymphocytes, plasma cells and the liver.
Low values are frequently seen in fit horses, especially Thoroughbreds in training, but is of no
known relevance. High values reflect chronic inflammatory diseases such as infection,
parasitism, granulomatous inflammation, neoplastic diseases or hepatic insufficiency.
Globulins can be divided into alpha-1, alpha-2, beta-1, beta-2 and gamma fractions by
electrophoresis although there is no known diagnostic value of this in equine medicine other
than identification of very rare cases of plasma cell myeloma.

See also
Weight loss
Leucogram
Acute phase proteins