Serum Proteins

Question 1

Albumin

Answer 1

Non-specific transporter (non-covalent binding)
Maintenance of colloidal osmotic pressure (60-70% of total osmotic pressure)

Formed in the liver (not N-glycosylated)

~66% of blood plasma makeup

represents as first spike on densitometry and first band to the Anode on electrophoresis.

Question 2

Albumin disorders

Answer 2

Decreased synthesis of Albumin:
Chronic liver disease
Malnutrition (Kwashiorkor)

Increased loss of Albumin:
Severe burns
Nephrotic Syndrome

Question 3

Alpha 1 Globulins

Answer 3

Alpha1-antitrypsin

Alpha Fetoprotein

Transcortin - Transports cortisol

Retinol Binding Protein - transports Vitamin A

• Represent the second spike (first small spike) on densitometry.
• Synthesized in Hepatocytes

Question 4

Alpha1-Antitrypsin

Answer 4

Alpha 1 globulin

Alpha1-antiproteinase

Synthesized in hepatocytes where it is N-glycosylated and released into the blood

Inhibitor of neutrophil elastase in blood and alveoli of the lungs

M= normal Allele, Z and S = Defective Allele

homozygous for the Z allele (Pi ZZ) have a high risk of developing pulmonary and liver disease

Question 5

Alpha Fetoprotein

Answer 5

Alpha1 Globulin

Abundant in fetal plasma, similar function to albumin

• increased maternal AFP leads to neural tube defect
• Decreased AFP indicator of T21

Question 6

Alpha 2 Glubulins

Answer 6

Alpha 2 Macroglobulin

Ceruloplasm

Haptoglobin

Third spike on densitometry

Question 7

Alpha 2 Macroglobulin

Answer 7

Protease inhibitor (ex. plasmin & thrombin)

Synthesized in hepatocytes

Question 8

Ceruloplasm

Answer 8

A copper containing alpha2-globulin plasma protein (binds 6 Cu per molecule)

Synthesized and secreted by the liver

Ferroxidase activity - oxidation of Fe2+ to Fe3+

Deficiency leads to Wilson’s Disease. Copper accumulates in tissue and is present in the eyes as Kayser-Fleischer rings

Question 9

Haptoglobin

Answer 9

alpha2-globulin that binds to free hemoglobin in circulation (from hemolysis of RBC)

Haptoglobin-hemoglobin complex cannot be excreted by the kidneys and this prevents loss of hemoglobin (iron and globin)

Question 10

Beta Globulins

Answer 10

Transferrin

Hemopexin

Beta-lipoprotein (LDL)

Fourth spike on dinsitometry - Double spike

Question 11

Transferrin

Answer 11

beta-globulin which transports ferric iron between intestine, liver, bone marrow and spleen

Each transferrin can bind two Fe3+ atoms

Question 12

Hemopexin

Answer 12

beta-globulin that binds to free heme in blood circulation and prevents the loss of iron by the kidneys

Question 13

Acute Phase Proteins

Answer 13

Serum proteins that are either increased (positive) or decreased (negative) in serum in response to any inflammatory disorder

Synthesis is stimulated by cytokines

Alpha 2 globulins are acute phase reactants in addition to C-reactive protein (beta globulin)

Question 14

C-Reactive Protein

Answer 14

Acute phase reactant

normally not found in blood but is synthesized and released during inflammation. The sharp increase in serum is a change of over 30,000 times.

Question 15

Acute inflammation (densitometry)

Answer 15

Slight decrease in albumin
Slight increase in alpha1 globulins

Increase in Alpha 2 globulins in addition to other acute phase reactants

CRP can be measured by specific test.

Question 16

Gamma Globulins

Answer 16

Immunoglobulins or antibodies which are produced by activated B lymphocytes (plasma cells)

Five major groups: IgM, IgG, IgE, IgA IgD

Question 17

IgM

Answer 17

Found in blood and lymph and it is the first antibody to be produced in response to an antigen (infection)

Question 18

IgG

Answer 18

Found in all body fluids. It is the smallest but most common antibody. It is produced on repeated exposure to the same antigen (often bacterial and viral infections) and also crosses the placenta and confers immunity to the fetus and newborn

Question 19

IgE

Answer 19

Found in the lung, skin, mucous membranesand is secreted in allergic reactions

Question 20

Multiple Myeloma

Answer 20

Tumor of the plasma cells (activated B lymphocytes)

characterized by the presence of high amounts of a single type of immunoglobulin (monoclonal Ig)

Very high gamma peak on densitometry

Question 21

Nephrotic vs. Nephritic syndromes

Answer 21

Nephrotic syndrome involves the loss of a lot of protein, whereas Nephritic syndrome involves the loss of a lot of blood, urine, and hypertension.

Question 22

Hepatic Cirrhosis (Densitometry)

Answer 22

Decreased Albumin, slightly decreased in Alpha 2 proteins. Beta and gamma curves blended together and increased.

Question 23

Long standing inflammation (densitometry)

Answer 23

Decreased Albumin and increased alpha 1,2 and beta. Markedly increased gamma.