[Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency and liver diseases].

Alpha-1 antitrypsin is mainly responsible for the inhibitory power with regard to serum of numerous enzymes, in particular, trypsin. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is linked to pulmonary and hepatic disease. The special characteristic constantly found during liver disease, associated with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, is the existence of intra-cytoplasmic globules within the hepatocytes due to accumulation of alpha-1 antitrypsin. This latter enzyme differs chemically from serum alpha-1 antitrypsin.