Rapid changes in the serum total protein and globulin levels in complications caused by facultatively pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria.
The changes in the levels of total protein and four globulin fractions were followed up throughout the entire course of complications caused by Gram-negative facultative pathogens in 37 acute cases of respiratory insufficiency accompanying different underlying illnesses and in 9 chronic, bedridden patients given artificial ventilation. At the onset of the infectious complications, in the first place in septic shock, the levels of various globulin fractions showed a decrease corresponding to a half-life of 2 to 4 days. Neither the increased catabolism, nor the protein losses by the urine and tracheal secretions offer a sufficient explanation for the escape of globulins of this extent from the plasma. It seems that this is a consequence of the increase in capillary permeability due to the effect of antigen-antibody reactions and that of endotoxin. As a result, in the critical phase of the infectious complications, at the point of culmination, e.g. in septic shock, diminished amount of different globulins is transported to the site of utilization, that is, to the inflammatory area.
D000328:Adult; D000510:Alpha-Globulins / Q000378:metabolism; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000097:blood*; D001609:Beta-Globulins / Q000378:metabolism; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000097:blood; D012712:Serum Globulins / Q000378:metabolism*; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000097:blood; D005719:gamma-Globulins / Q000378:metabolism
D000510:Alpha-Globulins; D001609:Beta-Globulins; D001798:Blood Proteins; D012712:Serum Globulins; D005719:gamma-Globulins