EFFECT OF AGE AND DISEASE ON 2 DRUG-BINDING PROTEINS - ALBUMIN AND ALPHA-1-ACID GLYCOPROTEIN

The influence of age and disease on serum albumin and alpha-1-acid gly coprotein was studied in 126 subjects (69 M, 57 F) presenting with tub erculosis and after recovery. Albumin concentration fell with age in b oth disease and healthy states, and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein concentr ation rose with age in the healthy state, Age-related differences were less marked in the disease state. During recovery from illness, serum albumin concentration rose and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein concentratio n fell. The mean concentration difference in the latter was lower in t he older age groups. The clinical consequences of changes in binding p rotein concentrations as a result of ageing and disease need to be stu died further for individual drugs.