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Serum Albumin




Albumin is negatively charged. The glomerular basement membrane is also negatively charged; this prevents the filtration of albumin in the urine. In nephrotic syndrome, this property is lost, and there is more albumin loss in the urine. Nephrotic syndrome patients are given albumin to replace the lost albumin.

Because smaller animals (for example Rat s) function at a lower Blood Pressure , they need less oncotic pressure to balance this, and thus need less albumin to maintain proper fluid distribution.


FUNCTIONS OF ALBUMIN

  • Maintains osmotic pressure

  • Transports thyroid Hormone s

  • Transports other hormones, particularly fat soluble ones

  • Transports fatty acids ("free" fatty acids)

  • Transports unconjugated Bilirubin

  • Transports many Drugs

  • Competitively binds Calcium ions (Ca2+)

  • Buffers PH



CAUSES OF ALBUMIN DEFICIENCY ( HYPOALBUMINEMIA )



TESTING FOR ALBUMIN LOSS VIA THE KIDNEYS

In the healthy , or Albuminuria .


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