Description
Alpha-1 microglobulin is produced in the liver and is a protein with a small molecular weight.
Alpha-1 microglobulin, a glycoprotein heterogeneous in charge, was reported to occur both as a monomer with 31kDa but also as a polymer with 90 kDa in a covalent binding with one of the two alpha chains of the monomeric Immunoglobulin A. These proteins are metabolised in the kidneys and in a healthy person, only minor amounts can be detected in urine. Increased alpha-1 microglobulin concentration in serum is detected when the glomerular filtration rate is limited. When the ratio of total protein to the sum of albumin and alpha-1 microglobulin is disturbed, a prerenal proteinuria should be considered.
