Plasma proteins Flashcards
What are the major types of plasma proteins in the blood?
Albumin, globulins, fibrinogen and clotting proteins, regulatory proteins (<1%)
Albumin.
Major contributor to osmotic pressure of plasma, assists in transport of lipids, steroid hormones, and drugs
Globulins.
Includes immunoglobulins (a1, a1, B, y) with diverse functions
Fibrinogen and clotting proteins.
Essential for coagulation
What methods are used to determine levels of the major plasma proteins?
Electrophoresis, densitometry of protein gels, enzyme activity assays (eg clotting proteins), and quantitative assays (ELISA).
Hemophilia.
Deficiencies in key components of the blood clotting cascade resulting in excessive bruising and bleeding
Increased serum albumin.
Does not occur naturally.
Decreased serum albumin.
Often caused by protein malnutrition, hepatocellular disease, nephrotic syndrome, thermal burns, acute or chronic inflammation
Types of globulins.
Alpha 1, alpha 2, beta, gamma (immunoglobulins)
Alpha 1 anti trypsin deficiency.
- Autosomal recessive disorder
- COPD, especially emphysema
- Smoking is major factor
- Uncontrolled neutrophil elastase activity destroy lung tissue
- Jaundice and liver problems
Decreased haptoglobin
Hemolytic anemia and severe liver disease
Increased haptoglobin
Acute phase inflammatory conditions - burns, trauma.
Increased fibrinogen
Inflammation, cvd, increased in pregnancy
Decreased fibrinogen
Systemic activation of the clotting system, consumption exceeds synthesis, disseminated intravascular coagulation
