Level of plasma protein

Pregnancy and the first weeks of life represent two physiologic situations in which there is a continual and significant change in the levels of plasma proteins, and it may therefore be necessary to adjust the doses of medications during these times. 

Level of Plasma Protein A low level of plasma protein can result in a build-up of medication, possibly reaching a toxic level. Plasma protein decreases in a condition called hypoalbuminemia, which is common in liver disease, kidney disease, and malnutrition. 

The factors that influence the effective distribution of medication are level of plasma protein, blood flow, competing medication, tumors, abscesses, and exudates. 

Johnson AM. Low levels of plasma proteins malnutrition or inflammation Clin Chem Lab Med 1999 37 91-6. 

The hepatocytes are the most active sites of protein synthesis, and albumin plays important roles in the transport of bilirubin, anions, fatty acids, several hormones, and xenobiotics. Albumin also is important in determining the colloidal osmotic pressure of plasma and other body fluids. Other proteins synthesized in the liver include the acute-phase response proteins, complement proteins, and the coagulation cascade proteins (see Chapter 8). The levels of plasma proteins reflect the balance between the rates of synthesis, utilization, and degradation. The liver also plays an important role in the metabolism of cholesterol and lipoproteins (see Chapter 9). 

HMW heparin will bind to plasma proteins and cell surfaces in addition to its prime target, ATIII. Becanse different individnals synthesize different levels of plasma proteins, the nse of this form of heparin as an anticoagulant requires constant monitoring of the patient to ensnre that the correct dosage has been given such that spontaneous thrombi do not develop, bnt not so mnch that spontaneous bleeding occnrs. FMW heparin has fewer nonspecific interactions than HMW heparin, and its effects are easier to predict on patients, so that constant monitoring is not reqnired. 

Intramuscular injection of human NGF into the rat masseter muscle failed to evoke afferent discharge however, it decreased the MT of masseter afferent fibers compared with the baseline (Figure 8.1-6). There was a significant decrease in the MT 1 hour postinjection (as compared with the baseline), which lasted for 3 hours. The postinjection MT of saline-injected fibers was not significantly different from the baseline. There was no significant difference between the level of plasma protein extravasation between control saline and human NGF groups. 

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