Definition of haptoglobin in English:
haptoglobin
noun ˌhaptə(ʊ)ˈɡləʊbɪnˌhaptəˈɡlōbən
mass nounBiochemistry A protein present in blood serum which binds to and removes free haemoglobin from the bloodstream.
Example sentencesExamples
- Evidence of hemolytic anemia may be present, including decreased haptoglobin.
- Ceruloplasmin, [alpha.sub.2] macroglobulin, and haptoglobin contribute to the [alpha.sub.2] protein band.
- Deer in fact may be a little unusual in this respect in that they have unusually, low levels of another protein haptoglobin, which is involved in the clearance of haemoglobin.
- The research team, led by Dr. Andrew Levy of the Faculty of Medicine, had earlier demonstrated that diabetics with a particular form of a blood protein called haptoglobin had as much as a 500% increased risk of developing heart disease.
- Macrophages, scavenger-like cells that roam the body, have a surface receptor called CD 163 which binds the protein haptoglobin.
Origin
1940s: from Greek haptein 'fasten' + (haemo)globin.