Effect of Purified Protein Fractions on Sedimentation Rate of Erythrocytes

Abstract

Summary Purified fibrinogen increased the erythrocyte sedimentation rate more effectively than the other protein fractions studied; 0.2 g% increased the sedimentation rate 300%. The fraction containing alpha and beta globulins was next most effective: 0.2 g c/o increased the sedimentation rate 100%. Gamma globulin proved least effective; 0.4 g% was required to increase the sedimentation rate 100%. Pure human albumin inhibited the sedimentation rate of erythrocytes, the inhibition being most pronounced in the presence of a markedly elevated sedimentation rate. The authors \Yisli to express their gmtitudee to Dr. Edwin J. Cohn for supplying the purified protein fractions used in this study, which were prepared under contract with the Office of Scientific Research and Developmcnt upon recommendation by the Committee on Medical Research.