Plasma colloidal oncotic pressure

Plasma colloidal oncotic pressure, also known as oncotic pressure or colloid osmotic pressure, is the component of osmotic pressure in the blood plasma generated by plasma proteins (mainly albumin), which are impermeant across the capillary endothelium[1][2][3][4]. This pressure acts to retain fluid within the vascular compartment, opposing the outward hydrostatic pressure in capillaries, and plays a crucial role in fluid homeostasis and tissue perfusion. When plasma albumin or other protein concentrations fall, oncotic pressure decreases, leading to increased filtration of fluid out of blood vessels and the potential development of edema[1][4]. Restoration of oncotic pressure can be achieved with intravenous infusion of albumin or synthetic colloids, but such interventions carry safety risks including volume overload and effects on coagulation[1][2][4].\n\n"Plasma colloidal oncotic pressure" is a physical property, not a discrete molecular target, and is therefore not a receptor, enzyme, ion channel, or transport protein[1][2][3][4]. It is often improved therapeutically by replacing its determinants (e.g., albumin), but it is not itself directly druggable.

Other names

Oncotic pressureColloid osmotic pressure

Increase or restore plasma oncotic pressure to draw fluid back into the vascular compartment