Ceruloplasmin

• OMIM: 117700
• UniProt: P00450
• MGI: 88476

Ceruloplasmin (CP ) (Latin caeruleus, blue '), in other syntaxes, ceruloplasmin, ceruloplasmin or ferroxidase, is a plasma protein of all the new mouths. This bluish enzyme ( oxidase) acts as a copper storage and helps to transport iron out of cells, where it had accumulated. It is produced in the liver and brain and is already receiving on its biosynthesis posttranslationally six or seven copper ions and can carry up to eight copper ions per molecule. Copper deficiency in the body, however, only unstable Apocoeruloplasmin is formed. Hereditary deficiency by mutation in the CP gene leads to pathological accumulation of iron in the reticuloendothelial cells and hepatocytes.

The serum ceruloplasmin is determined in the diagnosis of iron and copper metabolism. In severe infectious diseases and in pregnancy serum levels may rise. In contrast, can be found at Wilson's disease ( hepatolenticular degeneration) below 0.2 g / l decreased values ​​. For a complete elimination of the ferroxidase activity, which is associated with increased iron storage in the body, it is called Acaeruloplasminämie.