haptoglobin

Main Entry: hap·to·glo·bin
Pronunciation: 'hap-t&-"glO-b&n
Function: noun
: any of several forms of an alpha globulin found inblood serum that can combine with free hemoglobin in the plasma and thereby prevent the loss of iron into the urine

haptoglobin hap·to·glo·bin (hāp'tə-glō'bĭn)
n.
A plasma protein that is a normal constituent of blood serum and functions in the binding of free hemoglobin in the bloodstream.

haptoglobin

a colourless protein of the alpha-globulin fraction of human serum (liquid portion of blood plasma after the clotting factor fibrinogen has been removed) that transports hemoglobin freed from destroyed red blood cells to the reticuloendothelial system, where it is broken down. Three common types-numbered 1-1, 2-1, and 2-2-and three uncommon types of haptoglobin are known and are believed to result from combinations among three alleles (forms of genes). The serum haptoglobin level is raised during inflammations and certain other conditions; it is lowered in hemolytic disease and some types of liver disease.

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