Description
Native Bovine Haptoglobin is a serum protein that consists of two alpha and two beta chains connected by disulfide bridges. The alpha and beta chains are characterized by molecular weights of approximately 10 kDa and 40 kDa. Haptoglobin acts as a hemoglobin scavenger and has been associated with protease inhibitory activity. Haptoglobin (Hp) appears to be an immunomodulator or acute phase protein found in the serum. Hp levels increases during the acute phase response to inflammation or infection. Hp binds free hemoglobin (Hb) with high affinity, thereby inhibiting the oxidative activity. The removal of Hb-Hp complexes results in a decrease in Hp protein levels seen in hemolytic anemia. Elevated haptoglobin in cows may indicate mastitits. Due to its high affinity for hemoglobin, haptoglobin preparations will unavoidably contain some residual hemoglobin which co-purifies during all chromatographic steps