Myoglobin

Immunology

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Description

Myoglobin is a heme-containing protein present in skeletal and cardiac muscle cells. Functionally, myoglobin is well accepted as an oxygen-storage protein in muscle, capable of releasing oxygen during periods of hypoxia or anoxia [3]. It is released from the muscle in the event of muscle cell injury or death. Increased serum levels are seen within 30 minutes of acute myocardial infarction, peak levels being reached by ten hours. The period of elevated serum myoglobin is short lived, values returning to normal within 36 hours. This rapid return to normality is due to the prompt clearance of myoglobin through the renal glomerulus [1]. Increased serum and urine levels of myoglobin are seen in all instances of muscle trauma, including crush injury, electrocution, arterial occlusion, and rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition caused by skeletal muscle injury and release of muscle cell contents into the circulation, and is often associated with acute renal failure (ARF) due to the precipitation of high levels of myoglobin in the renal tubules [2]. Increased levels may also be seen in myositis, muscular dystrophy, and following convulsions [1].

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Indications

Investigation of Rhabdomyolysis ; Myocardial Infarction; Myositis ; Muscular Dystrophy.

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Sample Type

2mL Serum (Gel 5mL Yellow tube) or 20mL Urine (Urine samples should have pH adjusted to 8-9.5 using 0.1M NaOH). Requests from outside Sheffield: Transport at ambient temperature via Royal Mail or Courier.

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Reference Range

Serum: 28 - 84 g/L.
Urine: <10 g/L.

Reference ranges established in house.

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Turnaround Time

Within 1 day

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Testing Frequency

Daily

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External Notes

The assay can be performed urgently if required within normal laboratory opening hours.

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References

PRU Handbook of Clinical Immunochemistry. 9th Ed. 2007. [Ref 1].
Singh D, Chander V, Chopra K. Rhabdomyolysis.Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol. 2005 27:39-48. [Ref 2]
Ordway GA, Garry DJ. Myoglobin: an essential hemoprotein in striated muscle. J Exp Biol. 2004. 207:3441-3446. [Ref 3]

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Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.