noun
- A blue copper-containing protein in blood plasma that transports copper and plays a role in iron metabolism.
Usage: medical/biochemistry term; also spelled caeruloplasmin in British English
Examples
- Ceruloplasmin levels are often measured to diagnose Wilson's disease, a genetic disorder affecting copper metabolism.
- The protein ceruloplasmin binds and transports copper throughout the bloodstream.
- Low ceruloplasmin concentrations can indicate liver disease or copper deficiency.
- Doctors ordered a ceruloplasmin test as part of the patient's comprehensive metabolic panel.
- Ceruloplasmin also functions as an antioxidant in the blood.