Acute phase reactant


Acute Phase Reactant

Any of a number of proteins that migrate in the alpha1 and alpha2 regions of a serum protein electrophoresis, which are elevated in acute inflammation. Acute phase reactants traditionally include alpha1-antitrypsin, alpha1 acid glycoprotein, amyloid A and P, anti-thrombin III, CRP, C1-esterase inhibitor, C3 complement, ceruloplasmin, fibrinogen, haptoglobin, orosomucoid, plasminogen, transferrin; reference ranges increase and the values themselves decrease with age. Acute phase reactants often have specific roles—e.g., acting as endogenous pyrogens or somnogens.

reactant

(re-ak'tant) A chemical or substance taking part in a chemical reaction.

acute phase reactant

Acute phase protein.

limiting reactant

The substance with the lowest concentration in a chemical reaction. Its amount determines the amount of product made from that reaction.

Acute phase reactant

A substance in the blood that increases as a response to an acute conditions such as infection, injury, tissue destruction, some cancers, burns, surgery, or trauma.Mentioned in: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, Haptoglobin Test