Plasma Proteins

Return to Hematology Menu

Plasma proteins are proteins that circulate in blood plasma between the blood and interstitial fluid. Some examples of plasma proteins include:

• Acid phosphatase
• Albumin: Makes up 55% of blood proteins and helps maintain plasma oncotic pressure. Albumin also helps transport lipids and steroid hormones.
• Alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor
• Globulins Make up 38% of blood proteins and help transport ions, hormones, and lipids. Globulins also help with immune function.
• Cholesteryl ester transfer protein
• Ceruloplasmin
• Haptoglobins : Bind to hemoglobin and prevent iron loss through urine.
• Hemopexin
• Lipopolysaccharide binding protein
• Myoglobin
• Prealbumin : Used to evaluate protein energy malnutrition.
• Fibrinogen : A precursor to clotting factors. When it comes into contact with a sticky surface, fibrinogen turns into fibrin, which traps platelets to form a blood clot.
• Alpha-2-macroglobulin
• Alpha 1-acid glycoprotein
• Thyroxine-binding globulin
• Transferrin: Transports iron.
• Transcortin

Additionally blood plasma contains many immune proteins such as complement system and various cytokines.