Most abundant of the plasma proteins (comprising ≈60%). Structure characterized as a single, carbohydrate-free polypeptide chain consisting of 580-585 amino acid residues; stabilized by seventeen S-S bridges. Main biological functions include maintenance of osmotic pressure and the transport of sparingly soluble physiological and pharmacological substances, esp long-chain fatty acids and bilirubin. Trace amounts present in normal urine, excreted as the major protein constit in the condition of proteinuria. Review of determn in serum and plasma: P. G. Hill, Ann. Clin. Biochem. 22, 565-578 (1985); of biosynthesis and biological function: M. A. Rothschild et al., Hepatology 8, 385-401 (1988); of structural studies: D. C. Carter, J. X. Ho, Adv. Protein Chem. 45, 153-203 (1994).
Review of biochemistry and clinical experience: Proceedings of the Workshop on Albumin, J. T. Sgouris, A. René, Eds. (DHEW Publication No. (NIH) 76-925, 1975) 355 pp; of therapeutic use: G. E. Hastings, P. G. Wolf, Arch. Fam. Med. 1, 281-287 (1992).
Suspension of air filled albumin microspheres in a 5% (w/v) human albumin soln. Prepn: M. W. Keller et al., J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 12, 1039 (1988); D. Cerny et al., EP 359246; eidem, US 4957656 (both 1990 to Molecular Biosystems). Pharmacology: M. W. Keller et al., J. Am. Soc. Echocardiogr. 2, 48 (1989). Diagnostic use in echocardiography: L. J. Crouse et al., J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 22, 1494 (1993). Physical and biochemical properties: C. Christiansen et al., Biotechnol. Appl. Biochem. 19, 307 (1994). Review: N. Sponheim et al., IEEE Conf. Publ., Acoustic Sensing and Imaging 369, 103-108 (1993).
Plasma volume expander; treatment of hypoproteinemia. 131I-labelled form as diagnostic aid (blood volume determination). Sonicated form as diagnostic aid (ultrasound contrast agent).
Diagnostic Aid (Ultrasound Contrast Agent); Plasma Volume Expander
Iodinated Serum Albumin: Diagnostic Aid