Budowa i rola DBP [Vitamin D-Binding Protein] w stanach fizjologii i patologii u zwierzat i ludzi

The vitamin D-binding protein (DBP), also known as group-specific component or Gc globulin, demonstrates a pleiotropic effect in human and animal bodies. DBP binds vitamin D and its derivatives. It plays a key role in the extracellular actin-scavenger system (EASS) through the ability of actin binding. DBP is a precursor of the macrophage-activating factor in the inflammation-primed macrophage activation cascade. It binds various cells to the surface of and can significantly enhance the leukocyte chemotactic activity for C5a and C5a des Arg. Anti-human DBP serum shows a cross-reactivity with the serum of the various species in double immunodiffusion or immunoelectrophoresis tests. The polymorphism of DBP in humans and animals indicates a species-characteristic pattern in PAGE and IEF. Gc globulin may be used as a non-specific marker of diseases and some clinical states of patients.