Blood plasma contains many components and functions. These include Albumin, Antibodies, Fibrinogen, Osmotic pressure, and transport of carbon dioxide to the lungs.
Albumin
Serum albumin is a very important protein in the body. It is made in the liver and circulates in the blood. This protein performs a variety of functions, including transporting fatty acids and other blood constituents.
Albumin also provides a buffering effect in the bloodstream, helping to maintain the pH and osmotic pressures. When the levels of albumin in the blood are low, it can alter normal metabolic processes. In addition, it is a highly sensitive marker of nutritional status.
There are several ways that people can test their blood plasma for albumin. They can either perform a blood sample analysis, or they can add sodium azide to the serum.
Alpha, beta, and gamma globulins
Alpha, beta, and gamma globulins are proteins found in the blood plasma. They are a part of the immune system. The globulins help the immune system in fighting infections and also transport metabolites.
The globulins are produced by the liver and the immune system. Alpha globulins carry cholesterol, hormones, and copper through the bloodstream. Beta globulins are less mobile than alpha globulins. Gamma globulins, which act as antibodies, play a significant role in immune responses.
Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) is a laboratory test that is used to separate the major blood proteins into five categories: a-globulins, b-globulins, alpha-globulins, beta-globulins, and gamma-globulins. SPEP can detect inflammation, low protein levels, and other pathophysiologic states.
Fibrinogen
Fibrinogen is one of the main proteins responsible for aggregation in blood plasma. It is produced by the liver and travels throughout the body, binding to receptors on various cells and tissues. This factor has a variety of roles, including infection, inflammation, and hemostasis.
Recent studies have found that administering fibrinogen concentrate can decrease bleeding and improve survival. These findings suggest that fibrinogen may be more effective than other blood products.
Researchers at the University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine used a clinically relevant animal model to assess the effectiveness of fibrinogen concentrate. After administering a dose of the concentrate, the mice had a reduced rate of bleeding.
Antibodies
Antibodies play a key role in the immune system and are essential for combating diseases. They bind to foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites and then tag them for destruction by other immune cells.
The immune system is composed of various kinds of cells, including B cells and plasma cells. Plasma cells produce antibodies, which are classified into different isotypes. These antibodies are then used to fight against the disease. IgA is secreted by mucosal and digestive tract cells, while IgM is produced by plasma cells.
The antibody’s 3D structure helps to bind to antigens with accuracy. Antibodies can be divided into five classes: alpha globulins, beta globulins, gamma globulins, IgGs, and IgAs. Each class has a unique structural and functional role.
Osmotic pressure
Colloid osmotic pressure (COP) is one of the most important determinants of intravascular fluid homeostasis. It governs the water balance in the blood. In the past several years, research has been carried out on the role of COP in various aspects of fluid therapy. The effects of reduced COP on the fluid balance in the blood are not known.
Plasma, which is the main component of the blood, consists of proteins, ions, and enzymes. It carries nutrients, waste products, and hormones to and from the cells. These components also play an essential role in regulating osmotic pressure.
The main plasma component is albumin, which is responsible for the colloid osmotic pressure. The albumin concentration in the blood is maintained within a narrow range. Besides, the protein helps in the transport of drugs, fatty acids, and hormones. However, the absorption of albumin can be impaired, which may lead to hypoalbuminemia. Consequently, hypoalbuminemia may be a cause of kidney disease.
Transport of carbon dioxide to the lungs
Carbon dioxide is transported to the lungs in blood plasma through three different mechanisms. The first mechanism is diffusion. This happens through concentration gradients and is similar to the way oxygen is transported. However, carbon dioxide is much more soluble than oxygen.
Another mechanism is by binding to hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells and carries oxygen. Some 20 to 30 percent of CO2 is bound to amino acids in hemoglobin. It then moves to the alveoli and lungs.
Thirdly, some CO2 is transported as a simple dissolved gas. Gaseous CO2 is a waste product that is produced by metabolically-active tissues. The solubility coefficient for CO2 is approximately 0.03 mmol/L/kPa. Approximately five to seven percent of all carbon dioxide is dissolved in blood plasma.
