Interrelations between ABO Blood Group, Plasminogen, α₁-Antitrypsin, α₂-Macroglobulin and the Platelet Count in Blood Donors

Abstract

The levels of plasminogen, α₁-antitrypsin, α₂-macroglobulin and the platelet count were measured in 511 blood donors. The mean level of α₁-antitrypsin was significantly lower in men of group B compared with that of group O. No other differences between the blood groups reached statistical significance. Women had higher mean levels of α₁-antitrypsin and α₂-macroglobulin and a higher platelet count than men. The levels of plasminogen and α₁-antitrypsin were significantly higher in women using oral contraceptives compared with those who were not. The level of α₂-macroglobulin fell with age until the 60–64 year age-group in men and the 40–49 year age-group in women. A positive correlation existed between the α₁-antitrypsin and the α₂-macroglobulin level and between the platelet count and the plasminogen level.