Chem 2 Flashcards
(22 cards)
What are plasma proteins often included in?
Liver function tests (Total protein, albumin)
Plasma proteins can also include specialized proteins like C-reactive protein (CRP)
What clinical conditions involve abnormalities of plasma and urinary proteins?
Nephrotic syndrome, multiple myeloma
What affects the amount of protein in the vascular compartment?
Balance between rates of synthesis and catabolism or loss
What is the main function of hepatocytes?
Synthesize many plasma proteins
Where are immunoglobulins mainly derived from?
B lymphocytes of the immune system
How are most plasma proteins taken up?
By pinocytosis into capillary endothelial cells or mononuclear phagocytes
What are the primary functions of plasma proteins?
- Peptide hormones and blood clotting factors
- Control of extracellular fluid distribution
- Transport
- Inflammatory response and control of infection
How can plasma proteins be assessed?
By concentrations (e.g., g/L) or activities of proteins with defined functions
What is the difference between serum total protein and albumin concentration called?
Serum globulin concentration
What technique is used to separate proteins according to their electrical charges?
Electrophoresis
What are the five main groups of proteins identified by electrophoresis?
- Albumin
- α1 globulins
- α2 globulins
- β globulins
- γ globulins
What is the usual increase in immunoglobulin synthesis visible as?
A diffuse rise in γ-globulin
What happens to albumin and globulin concentrations in liver cirrhosis?
Albumin and often globulin concentrations are reduced; γ-globulin concentration is markedly raised
What are the plasma protein changes in nephrotic syndrome?
- Reduced albumin
- α1-globulin and sometimes γ-globulin bands reduced
- Increased α2-globulin concentration
What is the normal plasma biological half-life of albumin?
About 21 days
What are some inherited abnormalities of albumin synthesis?
- Bisalbuminaemias
- Analbuminaemia
What causes dilutional hypoalbuminaemia?
Redistribution of albumin from plasma into the interstitial fluid space
What can increase the loss of albumin from the body?
Abnormal membrane permeability
What is paraproteinaemia?
Appearance of an abnormal, narrow, dense band on the electrophoretic strip
Where can paraproteins commonly be found?
In the γ region, but may be anywhere from the α2 to the γ region
What is the primary consequence of hypoalbuminaemia?
Fluid distribution abnormality resulting in oedema
What can increased catabolism of albumin occur in?
Sepsis, hyperthyroidism
