Hereditary Deficiency of Serum α ₁ -Antitrypsin

Abstract

Deficiency of the serum alpha(1),-antitrypsin appears to be under genetic control. The level of this protein is reduced to less than 10 percent of the norm in individuals homozygous for the trait, who may suffer from pulmonary emphysema. Heterozygous individuals have a concentration of serum alpha(1)-antitrypsin between 50 and 60 percent of normal, but appear to be in good health. The estimated heterozygous frequency of the trait in a small white population in Georgia is 2.1 percent.