Serum Proteins and Glycoproteins in Scleroderma

Abstract

Seven cases of scleroderma were selected for this study. Electrophoresis of serum proteins showed a moderate reduction in albumins and a slight increase in the γ-globulins; probably neither finding is very significant. In all cases the α₂-globulins were increased while the β-globulins were reduced; thus the β/α₂-globulin ratio was decreased. Serum hexosamine levels were usually increased in scleroderma. Electrophoresis of serum glycoproteins revealed a consistent increase of the α₂ glycoproteins. During the remission stage of the disease an increase was noted in the albumins and in the ratio of the β- to α₂-globulin fractions. The α1- and α₂-glycoproteins showed a mild tendency to decrease.