Plasma protiens

Question 1

The three most important and largest plasma protein fractions are:

Answer 1

albumin,
globulins,
fibrinogen

Question 2

plasma proteins Have many functions including serving as

Answer 2

o Part of the structural matrix of cells
o Enzymes
o Hormones
o Antibodies

Question 3

Total plasma protein

Answer 3

o All plasma proteins added together
o Good indicator of over all health
o Can be high w/ chronic inflammation or infection
o Can be low w/ liver disease

Question 4

Albumin

Answer 4

o An important protein produced by hepatocytes

o Makes up 35-50% of total plasma protein level

Question 5

Globulins

Answer 5

o Second largest plasma protein fraction
o Produced in the liver and by B-lymphocytes
o Globulins have various functions
o Increased levels seen w/ infection, chronic inflammation, neoplasia

Question 6

Fibrinogen

Answer 6

o Protein produced in the liver
o Involved in blood clot formation
o Fribrinogen———-Fibrin
o Measure in clinic by heating a microhematocrit tube to precipitate fibrinogen
o Makes up 3-6% of total plasma protein
o Increased levels occur w/ inflammation/tissue injury

Question 7

Electrolyte

Answer 7

•	Mineral ions (cations, anions) found in circulating blood
o	Play an important role in:
o	Maintenance of water balance
o	Nervous function
o	Muscular function

Question 8

Potassium

Answer 8

o Important in maintaining normal neuromuscular function
o Hypokalemia occurs w/ vomiting, chronic renal failure
o Blood Chemistry Tests– Electrolytes

Question 9

Calcium

Answer 9

o Important in muscular function
o Cannot be measured in anticoagulated plasma
o Hypocalcemia seen in eclampsia/puerperal tetany

Question 10

Phosphorus

Answer 10

o Important in energy storage, part of normal cell membrane
o Hyperphosphatemia seen in chronic renal failure
o Blood Chemistry Tests– Electrolytes

Question 11

Sodium

Answer 11

o Important in maintaining water balance in the body

o Hyponatremia occurs w/ vomiting and diarrhea

Question 12

Chloride

Answer 12

o Important in water balance

o Hypochloremia occurs w/ vomiting

Question 13

Magnesium

Answer 13

o Important in neuromuscular function
o Enzyme activator
o Hypomagnesemia seen in grass tetany

Question 14

Creatine Kinase (CK)/Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK)

Answer 14

o Found chiefly in muscle tissue
o Increased levels occur w/ muscle injury
o Inflammation, trauma, exercise, surgery, injection

Question 15

Cholesterol

Answer 15

• A type of fat formed inside the body from fatty acids
• Important component of cellular membranes, adrenal and gonadal hormones
• Found in many tissues including the liver, adrenal gland, gonads, nerves
• Abnormally high levels seen in diseases w/ abnormal cholesterol metabolism
• Hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s), diabetes mellitus