- Contains alpha-, beta- and gamma-globulin fractions.
- Alpha- and beta- further subdivided into alpha-1 and -2 and beta-1 and -2.
- Total gobulin is a calculated result ([ total protein] minus [albumin] = total globulin).
- Examination of individual fractions following electrophoretic separation more specific [Serum protein electrophoresis].
- Monoclonal gammopathies.
- Acute, subacute and chronic inflammation.
- Auto-immune disease.
Normal (reference) values
- 24-45 g/l.
- 2.4-4.5 g/dl.
- Conversion factor: g/dl x 10 → g/l.
Increased total globulin (decreased A-G ratio)
- Acute tissue injury, inflammation and fever → often see increased alpha- (and possibly beta-) globulin; (+?beta-2 due to fibrinogen (plasma)).
- Subacute inflammation (especially bacterial) → often see increased alpha- and gamma-globulin.
- Chronic inflammation → often see increased gamma-globulin + beta-2 due to fibrinogen (plasma).
- Chronic active hepatitis → often see increased beta-2- and gamma-1-globulin.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus → often see increased gamma-globulin.
- Rheumatoid arthritis → often see increased alpha- and gamma-globulin.
- Glomerulonephritis and amyloidosis → often see increased alpha-, beta- and gamma-globulin.
- Leishmaniasis (imported dog) [Leishmania infantum]→ often see increased gamma-globulin.
- Monoclonal gammopathy in plasma cell myeloma → increase in gamma-globulin with characteristic steep narrow peak on electrophoresis.
- Internal abscess → alpha-2 and often see gamma-globulins.
- Combined immunodeficiency in Dachshund (Long-haired) and Basset Hound .
- Selective IgA (alpha-globulin) deficiency in Beagle , German Shepherd Dog and Shar Pei .
- Severe thymic deficiency associated with growth hormone deficiency in Weimaraner .
Errors and Artifacts
- Value calculated by difference in total protein and albumin values - therefore dependent on accurate determination of these values.
- Hemolysis → increases alpha-2 and beta-globulin fractions.
- Transient increase due to colostral gamma-globulins.
- Hypogammaglobulinemia normal in colostrum-deprived neonatal animals.