Investigation of patients with possible Wilson disease Clinical
Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general
clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Ceruloplasmin is an acute phase protein and a transport protein.
This blue-colored glycoprotein belongs to the alpha 2-globulin
electrophoretic fraction and contains 8 copper atoms per
molecule. Incorporation of copper into the structure occurs
during the synthesis of ceruloplasmin in the hepatocytes. After
secretion from the liver, ceruloplasmin migrates to copper-
requiring tissue where the copper is liberated during catabolism
of the ceruloplasmin molecule. In addition to transporting
copper, ceruloplasmin has a catalytic function in the oxidation
of iron (Fe[2+] to Fe[3+]), polyamines, catecholamines, and
polyphenols. Decreased concentrations occur during recessive
autosomal hepatolenticular degeneration (Wilson disease). On a
pathochemical level, the disease, which is accompanied by
reduced ceruloplasmin synthesis, occurs as a