Description
A major serum protein found at concentrations of 240 mg per 100 ml in men and 290 mg per 100 ml in women. Multifunctional, it promotes growth of mammalian cells in culture, stimulates the regeneration of lymphocytes in irradiated mice, possesses a transport function for zinc and is a protease inhibitor that controls the clotting and fibrinolytic system. Clinically levels are increased in liver cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, diabetes, and severe burn cases