SERUM LEVELS AND URINARY EXCRETION OF α2-MACROGLOBULIN IN PATIENTS WITH RENAL DISEASE

Abstract. Serum values and renal excretion of α2-macro-globulin and IgM have been measured in 36 patients with various renal diseases. The mean value of α2-macroglobulin in serum was significantly increased only in patients with glomerulonephritis. The mean values of IgM did not differ from normal. Excretion of α2-macroglobulin and IgM was found in about two-thirds of the patients with glomerulonephritis and in about 50% of the other patients. The cause of the quantitative difference between the excretion of α2-macroglobulin and IgM, two fairly equalsized proteins, was discussed.