What is the role of alpha 1 acid glycoprotein in electrophoretic protein separation?

Alpha 1 acid glycoprotein is classified as an acute phase reactant, which is a type of protein whose levels increase in response to inflammation or tissue injury. During an inflammatory response, the liver synthesizes acute phase reactants, including alpha 1 acid glycoprotein, leading to its elevated concentration in the serum. This makes it significant in the context of electrophoretic protein separation because it can be identified and quantified in serum protein electrophoresis as part of the body's response to stress or inflammation.

The presence of alpha 1 acid glycoprotein in an electrophoretic profile can provide important clinical information regarding a patient's inflammatory state. Changes in its levels can indicate underlying pathological conditions, therefore, it serves as a valuable marker in clinical diagnostics.

In contrast, while other proteins might serve roles in coagulation or the immune response, their mechanisms and implications differ from the specific role of alpha 1 acid glycoprotein as an acute phase reactant, primarily indicating an inflammatory response.