ALBUMIN METABOLISM

Albumin is quantitatively the most important plasma protein. Albumin i s a major factor for the maintenance of intravascular oncotic pressure ; it also plays a significant role in the transport of exogenous or en dogenous substances. Serum albumin is synthesized at a high rate in th e liver. This synthetic process is modified by many interrelated facto rs. Oncotic pressure, malnutrition, toxins and trauma may reduce album in production or secretion. Hormones regulate synthesis and degradatio n, Albumin is widely distributed, however the concentration in the ext ravascular space is low, compared to that in the plasma or lymph. Whil e considerable data are available concerning albumin synthesis, little is known about degradation and further studies are required.