PLASMA PROTEINS AND LIPIDS

PLASMA PROTEINS
• Plasma proteins contribute about 7% of the total organic
molecules of the plasma. The major proteins present in
plasma are:
– Albumin (55%),
– Globulins (38 %) and
Fibrinogen (7 %).
• Plasma proteins (albumin, fibrinogen, prothrombin and
some of the globulins) are synthesized in liver
• While the gamma globulins are synthesised extra-
hepatically in the lymph nodes and in the Mononuclear
Phagocytic System (MPS) of spleen and bone marrow
• The ratio of albumin to globulin is 1:0.7.
• There are species variations in the ratio of plasma proteins i.e.
albumin: globulin ratio
• In humans, sheep, goats and dogs, the albumin predominates
over globulin.
• In horses, pigs, cow and cats albumin globulin ratio is equal
Species Total protein Albumin Globulin Fibrinogen

Horse 6.0 - 8.0 2.8 - 3.8 2.8 - 3.8 0.2-0.4

Cow 7.0 - 8.5 3.0 - 3.8 3.6 - 4.4 0.2-0.5

Sheep 6.0 - 8.0 3.5 - 4.5 2.5 - 3.5 0.2-0.4

Goat 6.5 - 7.5 3.7 - 4.5 2.4 - 3.2 0.2-0.5

Pig 6.5 - 8.5 3.5 - 4.0 3.5 - 4. 0 0.2-0.4

Dog 6.0 - 7.8 3.4 - 4.4 2.7 - 3.2 0.1-0.4

Cat 6.0 - 7.4 3.0 - 3.8 2.5 – 3.5 0.1 – 0.4

Fowl 4.0 - 5.2 1.2 - 3.8 2.3 - 3.3 --

 Separation of plasma proteins

• Salting out method: Using different concentrations of

ammonium sulphate solution.

• Electrophoresis: Paper, starch gel, polyacrylamide gel

electrophoresis are used for the separation of plasma
protein fractions.
 PLASMA PROTEIN FRACTIONS
Albumin
• Two fifth is intravascular and the rest occur extravascularly.

• It provides colloidal osmotic pressure because of its high

concentration and low molecular weight (69000 da) and non-
diffusible property through blood vessels, thus prevents
excessive passage of fluid from the blood into the interstitial
tissue and serves to control the fluid balance between blood
and tissues.

• It contributes to the amino acid pool with tissue protein and

helps in transport of some anions and cations.
 Globulins
• Includes fractions α1 and α2, β1 and β2 and γ globulins which
include IgA, IgD,IgE, IgG and IgM.

– α - globulins act as carrier proteins of bilirubin, lipids,

steroids and thyroxine.

– β - globulins are:

• Ceruloplasmin: Transports copper.

• Ferroxidase: Transferrin transports iron.
• Haptaglobulin: Transports Hb to liver after haemolysis.
• Apolipoproteins: Transports triglycerides, phospholipids and
cholesterol.
• Hemopexin: Aids the transport of heme from lysed RBCs.
• Transcortin: Transports cortisol.
• Transcobalamins I & II: Transports cobalt.
 γ - globulins
• They provide viscosity to the blood, thus maintain normal
blood pressure. Synthesised by -lymphocytes and plasma cells,
functions to provide immunity and also helps transport of
vitamin D.

• The γ globulins are the immunoglobulins (Ig) and are classified

into the following types:

• IgG is responsible for most of the humoral immunity of the

organism. It can cross placenta. It is most abundantly found
immunoglubulin.

• IgM is the second major immunoglobulin of the serum and it is

typically the first immunoglobulin increase in concentration in
serum during primary immune response. These are naturally
occurring antibodies against erythrocytes in certain
incompatible blood types.
 • IgA is a glycoprotein found in external secretion such as saliva,
tears, colostrum etc.
• It forms the primary immunoglobulin in the colostrum and is
responsible for natural passive immunity in the neo-natal calf, foal,
lamb, kid and piglets.
• Plays an important role in local defence by protecting various
body surfaces e.g., the intestinal, respiratory and uro-genital tracts,
mammary gland and the eyes from bacterial and viral invasions.
• IgA does not cross the placenta. It is most abundantly found in
milk of normal animals.

• IgD is involved in B-cell differentiation to form ‘clones’.

• IgE is involved in hypersensitivity and allergic responses. It causes

the release of histamine from basophils and mast cells.
 Fibrinogen
• Fraction from the liver, functions as a precursor to form a
mesh work of fibrin threads and play a key role in blood
coagulation.

• It influences the suspension stability of the erythrocytes.

Increased concentration of fibrinogen and globulins alter the
colloidal state of the blood, hastens agglutination of RBCs and
settling.
FUNCTIONS OF PLASMA PROTEINS
• Function as source of amino acids for the synthesis
of tissue proteins.

• Provide colloidal osmotic pressure and helps to

regulate fluid balance. Around 80% of the colloidal
osmotic pressure is contributed by albumin.

• They act as blood buffer and regulate acid-base

balance, thus maintains normal pH of 7.4.
• Fibrinogen and various clotting factors are essential
for coagulation of blood.
• Influence the suspension stability of RBCs in the blood.

• Contributes to the viscosity of plasma (by gamma

globulins), thereby providing for peripheral resistance,
which is essential for efficient cardiac function.

• As carrier proteins they are invloved in transport of

copper, iron, heme, bilirubin, thyroxine, cortisol, sex
hormones, vitamin A, vitamin D, fatty acids, triglycerides,
phospholipids and cholesterol.

• Immunoglobulins provide specific antibody against

specific antigen.
 PLASMA LIPIDS
• Lipids are heterogenous molecules soluble in organic solvents
but not in water. They are esters of fatty acids, formed by the
reaction of fatty acids with glycerol.

• Blood lipids (or blood fats) are lipids in the blood and they are
present either free or bound to other molecules. Blood lipids
are mainly fatty acids, triglycerides, lipoproteins and
cholesterol.

• Since lipids are insoluble in water they are mostly transported

in a protein covering, and the density of the lipids and type of
protein determines the fate of the lipid and its influence on
metabolism.
 CHOLESTEROL
• It is lipid, waxy steroid found in the cell membranes and
transported in the blood plasma of all animals.

• It is an essential component of mammalian cell membranes

where it is required to establish proper membrane
permeability and fluidity.

• In addition, cholesterol is an important precursor molecule for

the biosynthesis of bile acids, and several fat soluble vitamins,
Vitamin D3and the steroid hormones.
• The average amount of blood cholesterol varies with age,
typically rising gradually as age advances.
• Hyperlipidemia refers to the elevated or abnormal levels of
cholesterol and triacylglycerols in the blood. One of the most
clinically relevant lipid substances is cholesterol, especially on
atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
Species Blood cholesterol levels (mg/100 ml)

Horse 75-150

Cow 60-190

Sheep 52-90

Goat 80-130

Pig 80-134

Dog 135-270