Globulins Globulins can be divided into three fractions based on their electrophoretic mobility. Most of the alpha and beta globulins are synthesized by the liver, whereas gamma globulins are produced by lymphocytes and plasma cells in lymphoid tissue. Alpha globulins: consist of alpha-1 and alpha-2 globulins. Alpha-1 globulins include alpha-1 antitrypsin, alpha-1 antichymotrypsin, orosomucoid (acid glycoprotein), serum amyloid A, and alpha-1 lipoprotein (HDL). Alpha-2 globulins include alpha-2 macroglobulin (protease inhibitor), haptoglobin (binds free hemoglobin), protein C (inhibitor of activated coagulation factors FVIII and FV), ceruloplasmin (carrier of copper) and alpha-2 lipoprotein (VLDL). Beta globulins: consist of beta-1 and beta-2 globulins. Beta-1 globulins include transferrin (binds iron) and hemopexin. Beta-2 globulins include complement factors 3 and 4, C-reactive protein, plasminogen, beta-2 lipoprotein (LDL), hemopexin, beta-2 microglobulin and some proportion of IgA (especially) and IgM. Fibrinogen also migrates in this region. Gamma globulins: consists of the immunoglobulins: IgM, IgA, IgG. For the routine chemistry profile, total globulins are calculated as follows: TP - albumin = globulin Globulins can also be measured quantitively and qualitatively with electrophoresis. Radial immunodiffusion is used for accurate quantification of immunoglobulins and has also replaced immunoelectophoresis for determining the immunoglobulin comprising a monoclonal gammopathy. [Hypoglobulinemia] [Hyperglobulinemia]