External Loss of the Plasma Proteins

Abstract

As previously noted, plasma proteins are also widely distributed outside the blood vessels and they are metabolized constantly. Not only are they degraded within tissue cells through endogenous catabolism, but they are also lost into almost every bodily secretion or excretion. These secretions and excretions contain plasma proteins in varying amounts and their representative ones are listed in the following:

• 1) Urine and male genital secretions

• 2) Digestive fluids (saliva, gastric, intestinal and pancreatic juices, bile)

• 3) Tracheobronchial secretions, nasal fluid, sputum

• 4) Female genital secretions and maternal milk

• 5) Miscellaneous fluids, such as tears, sweat.