Plasma proteins

Question 1

What are the general functions of plasma proteins (8)?

Answer 1

1. Hormones
2. Intravascular osmotic pressure
3. Catalytic function (enzymes)
4. Transport
5. Inflammatory response and control of infection
6. Acid-base balance
7. Protein reserve of the body
8. Blood clotting

Question 2

What are the reasons for measuring plasma proteins (6)?

Answer 2

1. Nutrition/malabsorption - measure albumin
2. Liver failure - measure albumin
3. Blood clotting - measure blood clotting factors
4. Immune function - measure immunoglobulins
5. Cancer - measure paraproteins (abnormal immunoglobulins)
6. Tissue damage - measure enzymes release in blood

Question 3

What are the 2 major groups of plasma proteins?

Answer 3

Albumins and globulins

Question 4

Where are plasma proteins synthesized?

Answer 4

90% are synthesized in the liver
Antibodies are synthesized in lymphocytes
Peptide hormones are synthesized in endocrine glands

Question 5

Define the group phase reaction proteins.

Answer 5

A group of unrelated proteins (except immunoglobulins) whose concentrations increase in a characteristic way following infection, necrosis or trauma