Asialo, or beta(2), transferrin occurs in cerebrospinal fluid and a few oth
er body fluids, e.g., perilymph and aqueous humor. It is used clinically as
a marker protein to detect CSF otorrhea and rhinorrhea. Asialo-transferrin
is separated from sialylated serum transferrin glycoforms by electrophores
is and detected by Western blotting. Potential pitfalls in interpreting Wes
tern blots occur when other transferrin isoforms approximate the migratory
behavior of asialo-transferrin. In the present report an adolescent boy was
seen by an otolaryngologist for otorrhea and acute hearing loss. The otorr
hea fluid, subsequently identified as saliva, contained a transferrin isofo
rm with electrophoretic mobility similar to that of asialo-transferrin. (C)
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