5. Plasma Protein Flashcards
What is the normal amount of plasma proteins per 100ml plasma?
6-8g
Where are plasma proteins made?
Liver
Percentage albumin
60%
Percentage globulins
18-30%
Percentage fibrinogen and clotting proteins
4%
Where are immunoglobins made?
Activated B lymphocytes
Explain how proteins are separated from plasma
Electrophoresis
Agarose gels
Proteins separated according to size
Serum/plasma applied to a strip of agarose and electric current is passed through
Name the 5 groups separated using electrophoresis
Albumin a1-globulins a2-globulins B-globulins y-globulins
What is a biomarker?
Any substance that is used as an indicator of a biological state
What does ELISA stand for?
Enzymed-linked Immunosorbent Assay
Describe how ELISA is used
Coat of antibody at the bottom of well
Only the protein of interest binds
Add plasma and a different antibody
Detection antibody has colour which can be read
Use calibration curve to find out how much protein
What are the functions of albumin?
Maintain osmotic pressure
Transport (binds to hormones and proteins)
Nutrition (source of amino acids)
What causes albumin deficiency?
- Protein malnutrition
- Hepatocellular disease
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Thermal burns, skin disease
- Acute/chronic inflammation
a-1 Anti-Trypsin function
Inhibits protease and elastase
Minimises host tissue damage
Haptoglobulin function
Binds free plasma haemoglobin
What is the acute phase response?
Acute phase proteins increase or decrease in response to trauma
What proteins increase in the acute phase response?
fibrinogen, haptoglobulin, C-Reactive protein
What proteins decrease in the acute phase response?
Albumin, transferrin, antithrombin
What is the function of C-Reactive Protein?
Binds to surface of dead or dying cells and activates complement system
What happens with an excess of immunoglobins?
Multiple myeloma
Sharp spike in gamma region of electrophoresis results
Sharp increase in a single monoclonal immunoglobulin
What is the function of fibrinogen?
Blood coagulation
Where are compliment proteins made?
Liver
Macrophages
What does decreased haptoglobulin levels imply?
Hemolytic anaemia
