Haptoglobin concentration in serum and other body fluids measured by comparison of its reactivity with hemoglobin and concanavalin A.

Haptoglobin (Hp) concentration in normal human sera was determined either by means of the reaction with hemoglobin (Hb) or by reaction with the lectin concanavalin A (Con A). The ratio of Hp-Con A (1.02 +/- 0.68 g/l) to Hp-Hb (1.10 +/- 0.58 g/l) equal 0.96 +/- 0.32 was found to be characteristic for sera from healthy subjects. Measurements were also carried out for some pathological body fluids. Values of the ratio Hp-Con A/Hp-Hb in ascitic fluid, pleural effusion and cerebrospinal fluid were 1.72 +/- 1.13, 0.42 +/- 0.23 and 0.15 +/- 0.18. respectively. Haptoglobin present in urine and saliva was not recognized by Con A, whereas could form a complex with hemoglobin. Hp concentration determined by this method reached 2 mg/l.