Blood Plasma Components

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the percentage of water in blood plasma?

98%

90% (correct)

95%

80%

What is the primary function of plasma proteins?

To regulate blood pressure

To carry out a number of different functions (correct)

To carry oxygen

To synthesize hormones

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of plasma proteins?

They are synthesized in the liver

They are all glycoproteins

They are all simple proteins (correct)

They exhibit polymorphism

What is the purpose of zone electrophoresis in plasma protein measurement?

To separate and estimate protein fractions Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the proteins that can be divided into two large classes based on the precipitate formed in a solution half saturated with ammonium sulfate?

Albumins and Globulins Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the process that prevents blood clotting in plasma?

Anticoagulation Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical molecular weight of C-reactive protein?

120kD Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of C-reactive protein in the immune system?

Activation of the complement cascade Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of sulfonamides on bilirubin in infants?

Release of unconjugated bilirubin from albumin Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical time frame for CRP levels to rise above normal limits in acute inflammation?

Within 6 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of plasmin in the body?

Hydrolysis of fibrin Signup and view all the answers

What happens to albumin synthesis in cases of liver disease or starvation?

It decreases Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of two drugs with the same affinity for albumin being administered together?

Displacement of one drug by the other Signup and view all the answers

What is the site of plasminogen synthesis?

Liver Signup and view all the answers

What is the clinical importance of CRP levels?

Predicting the risk of coronary heart disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the only cause of hyperalbuminemia?

Dehydration Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of hypoalbuminemia on calcium levels?

Decreased calcium levels Signup and view all the answers

What is the test used to detect albumin in urine?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of α1- protease inhibitor (API)?

To inhibit the activity of proteases, particularly elastase Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal concentration of α1- fetoprotein (AFP) in a healthy adult?

< 1µg/100ml Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate molecular weight of retinol binding protein (RBP)?

21 kD Signup and view all the answers

What is the half-life of retinol binding protein (RBP)?

12 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of α1- acid glycoprotein (AAG)?

Unknown function Signup and view all the answers

What can cause oxidation of Met358 to methionine sulfoxide and inactivate α1-AT?

Smoking Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of haemopexin?

To bind haem formed from the breakdown of Hb and other haemoproteins Signup and view all the answers

What is the molecular weight of Complement C1q?

400,000 Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for proteins that decrease in concentration after trauma or infection?

Negative acute phase reactants Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal level of haemopexin in adults?

0.5-1.0 gm/L Signup and view all the answers

What is the region of the IgG or IgM where Complement C1q binds?

Fc region Signup and view all the answers

What is the condition where high levels of haemopexin are found?

Diabetes mellitus Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Blood Plasma Composition

Blood plasma consists of approximately 90% water.

Plasma Proteins

Plasma proteins serve key functions, including maintaining oncotic pressure and transporting various substances.
Characteristics of plasma proteins include solubility in water, ability to form complexes, and varying molecular weights.

Zone Electrophoresis

Zone electrophoresis is utilized in plasma protein measurement to separate proteins based on their size and charge.

Protein Classifications

Plasma proteins can be classified into two major classes based on precipitation with ammonium sulfate.

Blood Clotting

Anticoagulants are used to prevent blood clotting in plasma.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

Typical molecular weight of C-reactive protein is around 120,000 Da.
CRP plays a crucial role in the immune response by binding to pathogens and promoting phagocytosis.
CRP levels typically rise above normal limits within 6-8 hours during acute inflammation.

Bilirubin and Infants

Sulfonamides can lead to increased bilirubin levels in infants, raising the risk of jaundice.

Plasmin

Plasmin's primary function is to dissolve fibrin in blood clots and regulate the clotting process.

Albumin Synthesis

Liver disease or starvation leads to decreased albumin synthesis.
When two drugs with similar affinity for albumin are administered, they can compete for binding, potentially increasing free drug levels.

Synthesis Locations

Plasminogen is synthesized mainly in the liver.

Clinical Importance of CRP

Elevated CRP levels are clinically significant as they indicate inflammation or infection.

Hyperalbuminemia

Hyperalbuminemia can primarily be caused by dehydration.

Calcium and Albumin Levels

Hypoalbuminemia can result in decreased calcium levels due to reduced protein-bound calcium.

Albumin Detection

The test used to detect albumin in urine is called the urine albumin test.

α1-Protease Inhibitor (API)

API's primary function is to inhibit proteolytic enzymes, protecting tissues from damage.

α1-Fetoprotein (AFP)

Normal concentration of AFP in healthy adults is less than 10 ng/mL.

Retinol Binding Protein (RBP)

The approximate molecular weight of RBP is around 21,000 Da.
RBP has a half-life of about 12-24 hours.

α1-Acid Glycoprotein (AAG)

AAG functions as a transporter for various substances and modulates immune responses.

Met358 Oxidation

Oxidation of Met358 to methionine sulfoxide can inactivate α1-antitrypsin (α1-AT), leading to reduced protease inhibition.

Haemopexin

Haemopexin's primary function is to bind free hemoglobin, preventing kidney damage.
Normal levels of haemopexin in adults are typically between 200-500 mg/dL.

Complement C1q

C1q has a molecular weight of approximately 460,000 Da and binds to specific regions of IgG or IgM antibodies.

Trauma and Infections

Proteins that decrease in concentration after trauma or infection are referred to as negative acute-phase proteins.

Elevated Haemopexin Conditions

High levels of haemopexin are often found in inflammatory conditions or after hemolytic events.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Learn about the different components of blood plasma, including water, plasma proteins, electrolytes, nutrients, hormones, wastes, and blood gases. This quiz covers the basics of plasma composition and its various components.