production of proteins

Question 1

what are the four functions of albumin?

Answer 1

1. binding and transport of lipid soluble molecules through the blood
2. maintenance of colloid osmotic pressure
3. acts as a free radical scavenger
4. anticoagulant effects

Question 2

what 3 reasons cause low albumin levels?

Answer 2

1. decreased synthesis - liver disease or resection
2. increased catabolism - this would be a slow decline as production can increase 2-3x
3. increased loss - nephrotic syndrome, exudative loss due to burns, haemorrhage etc.

Question 3

what controls the production albumin?

Answer 3

changes in oncotic pressure and osmolarity in the livers extravascular space

Question 4

how much albumin is produced a day?

Answer 4

6-12g

Question 5

globulins are another type of plasma proteins. what are their functions?

Answer 5

-antibody functions - mostly gamma globulins which aren’t made by the liver

• transport substances through the blood
• lipids - lipoproteins
• iron - transferrin
• copper - caeruloplasmin

Question 6

what clotting factors are made by the liver?

Answer 6

all of them except calcium (IV) & von willebrand factor (VIII)