Plasma Proteins: Types, Functions, and Metabolism

Plasma proteins are essential components of blood, making up about 7% of the total plasma volume. They are primarily synthesized by the liver, with the exception of immunoglobulins, which are produced by plasma cells. The three major categories of plasma proteins are:

Albumin (55% of total plasma proteins)
Globulins (35% of total plasma proteins)
Fibrinogen (7% of total plasma proteins)

Plasma Protein	Percentage of Total Plasma Proteins	Site of Synthesis	Normal Levels	Function
Albumin	55%	Liver	3.5-5.0 g/dL	Maintains oncotic pressure, transports various substances, acts as a buffer.
Globulins	35%	Liver (except immunoglobulins, which are synthesized by plasma cells)	2.3-3.5 g/dL	Immune response, transport, enzyme inhibition, blood clotting (e.g., complement proteins).
Fibrinogen	7%	Liver	0.2-0.45 g/dL	Essential for blood clotting, precursor to fibrin in the clotting process.

Albumin

Concentration in Plasma: Albumin typically constitutes about 55-60% of the total plasma protein.
Functions:
- Maintains Oncotic Pressure: Albumin is crucial in maintaining oncotic pressure, which prevents fluid from leaking out of blood vessels into tissues.
- Transport: It serves as a carrier for various substances, including hormones, fatty acids, bilirubin, drugs, and ions like calcium.
- Buffering Capacity: Albumin acts as a buffer, helping to maintain the pH balance...

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