Clinical Summary

Ceruloplasmin is the main transport protein for copper in the blood. In addition the protein exhibits enzymatic activity as an oxidase for various substrates. In Wilson’s disease and Menke’s syndrome (hereditary disorders of copper metabolism), the serum ceruloplasmin levels are markedly diminished, especially in homozygotes. Low levels of ceruloplasmin also occur in patients with hepatic insufficiency and protein loss syndrome. High serum and plasma levels of ceruloplasmin are observed in acutephase reactions, during use of oral contraceptives and with cholestase