Proteins and lipids Flashcards
Total protein is made up of which 2 proteins?
Albumin and globulins
Serum/plasma total protein can be measured by which 2 methods?
Refractometry or biuret method
What cells is albumin produced by?
Hepatocytes
Albumin acts as a carrier protein for which molecules?
Bilirubin Bile acids Free fatty acids Drugs Hormones Calcium
What is the half life of albumin in dogs and horses?
Dogs = 8 days Horses = 20 days
Which cells produce globulins?
B-lymphocytes
Plasma cells
Describe serum protein electrophoresis - which molecules do not travel very far
Separate protein electrophoresis into bands based on electrical charge and size of molecules
Antibodies are very large molecules with a lack of charge so do not travel far
What is the main cause of hyperalbuminaemia?
Dehydration
- can also be caused by inflammation
What other signs can be seen with hyperalbuminemia?
- Increased PCV, RBC
- Azotaemia
- Increase in all proteins
Describe monoclonal hyperglobulinaemia
The production of a single type of immunoglobulin and is due to neoplasia
The amounts of which type of protein increase during inflammation?
Positive acute phase proteins e.g. fibrinogen
Give examples of negative acute phase proteins and when do their levels decrease?
Albumin
Decrease during inflammation
Give 2 examples of delayed response proteins
Immunoglobulins
Complement
Acute phase proteins are under the influence of which cytokines?
IL-1
IL-6
Which type of acute phase proteins levels increase fastest?
Positive acute phase proteins
Hyperfibrinogenaemia is caused by?
Inflammation
Dehydration
Hypofibrinogenemia is caused by?
Decreased synthesis by the liver
Increased fibrinogen consumption
Name 4 tests that an be affected by decreased fibrinogen consumption
- PTT
- PT
- Fibrinogen conc
- Total protein
What is panhypoproteinemia?
Defined by low albumin and low globulin and therefore also low total protein
What are the most common causes of a loss of protein?
- Acute haemorrhage associated with anaemia
- GI loss (inflammatory bowel disease)
What are the causes that lead to a decreased production of albumin, causing hypalbuminaemia?
- Chronic liver disease: lack of hepatocytes to make albumin
- Prolonger malnutrition
- Maldigestion/malabsorption
What are the causes that lead to an increased loss of albumin, causing hypalbuminaemia?
- Kidney glomerular leakage of albumin
- GI loss
- Burns
What is the main cause of hyperglobulinaemia?
Failure of passive transfer in neonates
- failure to nurse before foregut closes
What are the two main lipids in the body?
Cholesterol and triglycerides
