Blood Cells and Plasma Proteins

Book excerpt: Blood Cells and Plasma Proteins: Their State in Nature focuses on the properties, characteristics, reactions, and transformations of blood cells and plasma proteins. The selection first takes a look at the historical prologue on the discovery of the formed and fluid parts of human blood and chemical prologue on the characterization and separation of proteins by virtue of their interactions with neutral salts. The text then takes a look at interactions of proteins with each other and with heavy metals and interactions of proteins with alkaline earths, steroids, blood cells, and polysaccharides. The book then ponders on the components of human plasma concerned with coagulation and the biochemical, physiological, and pathological aspects of the coagulation mechanism. Discussions focus on evolution of the clotting mechanism, modern concepts of clotting, state of accelerator substances, and state of calcium. The text also tackles the nature of immune processes, antibodies in human gamma globulin, and physical characteristics of the gamma globulins. The selection is a valuable reference for readers interested in blood cells and plasma protein.