PLASMA PROTEINS

Abstract

The source of the plasma proteins, the manner of their entry into the circulation, their life cycle as well as their physiologic functions still remain largely matters of speculation. Recent work on fibrinogen indicates the site of formation of this protein to be almost exclusively the liver.¹ The liver and the intestinal wall, as well as the blood-forming organs have been considered possible sites for the formation of the serum proteins. The liver, blood-forming organs and ductus thoracicus may be considered likely ports of entry of the proteins into the circulation. It must be conceded that any change in endothelial permeability may have an influence on the protein concentrations of the plasma. In how far the concentrations of the main fractions of the serum proteins and of the plasma fibrinogen reflect the cellular permeability of the organism as a whole or in part is speculative. This communication deals with the