Anti-Haptoglobin (HP, BP, HP2-ALPHA-2, HPA1S, MGC111141 )

Haptoglobin is a serum alpha-2-glycoprotein that exists as a tetramer, composed of two smaller identical alpha chains and two larger identical beta chains. The a-chains are linked to each other by a disulfide bond and each b-chain is similarly linked to the a-chains. Plasma haptoglobin is structurally similar to serum immunoglobulins. Normal adult plasma contains at least three different haplotypes, based on their differences in light a-subunit structure: Type 1-1 and Type 2-2 have homozygous a-1 (9kD) and a-2 (18kD) subunits. Type 2-1 has hetrozygous a-1 and a-2 subunits, with a common b-subunit in all three haplotypes (38kD). Haptoglobin's three common haplotypes can be distinguished using linear gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2.5-27%). Type 1-1 is a single band farthest form the origin. It is estimated to have a MW 86-100kD. Haploglobulin Types 2-1 and 2-2 appear as a series of bands nearer the origin. Types 2-1 and 2-2 have increasing molecular weights (200 and 400kD, respectively) with some polymers being reported to display other phenotypes that are thought to be significant in population studies. Haptoglobin is found in normal plasma at concentrations of 0.3-1.9mg/ml and account for 0.4-2.6% of the total plasma proteins. The serum levels show a marked increase after trauma, cancer, coronary artery disease and during inflammatory diseases while diseases such as jaundice and cirrhosis can significantly lower the amount of haptoglobin in plasma. The native form or normal plasma haptoglobin has been shown to exhibit a broad spectrum of immunosuppressive effects in the immune system. Measurement of haptoglobin levels may therefore be used to monitor the progress of inflammatory reactions and assess the efficiency of test drugs. Applications: Suitable for use in ELISA and IEP. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for 12 months. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.