title: Beta 2-microglobulin in liver cirrhosis: study of a local synthesis in ascitic fluid.
abstract: Beta 2-microglobulin determinations in ascitic fluid (A) and serum (S) collected on the same day, were performed in 24 patients suffering from alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Ascitic beta 2-m concentration varied from 0.4 to 4.6 mg/l for patients with a normal renal function. Much higher values were found in patients with chronic renal failure. No correlation could be established between ascitic beta 2-m level and the clinical evolution of the cirrhosis. Comparative measurements of beta 2-m S/A ratio and albumin, transferrin, total protein S/A ratios suggests a local synthesis of beta 2-m in ascitic fluid. This is confirmed by an immuno-cytochemical technique which reveals the localisation of beta 2-m in the cytoplasm of peritoneal cells. The presence of beta 2-m in ascitic fluid seems to be related to an ultrafiltration across the peritoneal membrane as well as a local polyclonal activation of the immune system.
authors.forename: P N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Bories
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Le Moel
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Devanlay
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bories
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Damasio
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Leluan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000418:Albumins / Q000032:analysis; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008104:Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic / Q000378:metabolism*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D014168:Transferrin / Q000032:analysis; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*
chemical_list: D000418:Albumins; D011506:Proteins; D014168:Transferrin; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin