Acute Phase Proteins Flashcards
What is ESR?
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
It is an indirect measure of inflammation
Increases with age
Increase in ESR can increase coagulation in blood plasma
What is CRP?
C-reactive Protein
Produced in the liver
Production is stimulated by cytokines - TNF, IL-6, IL-1
acts as a direct indication of inflammation
What is the function of CRP?
Activates complement through lectin pathway
Acts as an opsonin
Binds to monocytes and neutrophil Fc receptors - stimulating cytokines production
What is the normal CRP level in healthy cells?
3-10 mg/L
What are the two main complement proteins involved in the complement cascade?
C3
C5
What is the function of C3?
Opsonisation
Stimulates mast cells to release histamine
Chemotaxis of phagocytes
Promotes MAC (membrane attack complex)
What does SpLA2 do?
Kills gram-positive bacteria
Which 2 acute phase proteins inhibit bacterial proteases?
a1 anti-chymotrypsin
a1 proteinase inhibitors
What does a1 acid glycoprotein do?
Binds to many drugs/lipophilic compounds
Which 3 acute phase proteins increase complement function?
C3
C9
Factor B
What is the function of ceruloplasmin?
O2 scavenger
What is the function of fibrinogen?
Coagulation
What is the function of angiotensin?
Regulates blood pressure by constricting blood vessels and triggering water and sodium intake.
What is the function of haptoglobin?
Binds haemoglobin
What is the function of fibronectin?
Cell attachment
