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Immunoglobulins play a major role in the humoral immune response. They come in 5 classes: G, A, M, E and D. Immunoglobulins are produced by the active forms of B lymphocytes – plasmocytes in response to the antigen, ie the pathogenic factor stimulating the immune system. We perform immunoglobulin testing in, among others, food allergies.
What are immunoglobulins?
Immunoglobulins are antibodies, protein molecules of the immune system. The immunoglobulin molecule consists of two light chains (λ, κ) and two heavy chains (γ, δ, α, µ or ε) which are tightly linked with each other by disulfide bonds. Immunoglobulins are produced by the active forms of B lymphocytes – plasmocytes in response to an antigen, i.e. a pathogenic factor stimulating the immune system. Their production takes place in the plasma cells of the intestinal wall and bronchi. They are found in the body fluids of vertebrates. Immunoglobulins are designed to strengthen immunity as they have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Moreover, they play an important role in recognizing antigens.
What are immunoglobulins divided into?
There are two types of molecules:
- IgA1 – in the blood they are mainly monomers – 95%, combining they can form larger molecules,
- IgA2 – dimeric, are produced on the surface of the mucosa and have a good protective function.
Five classes of antibodies:
- immunoglobulin A — IgA,
- immunoglobulin E – IgE,
- immunoglobulin M — IgM,
- immunoglobulina G — IgG,
- immunoglobulin D — IgD.
Individual classes of immunoglobulins – characteristics
1. IgA immunoglobulin – it’s about 15 percent all immunoglobulins found in plasma. IgA is mainly found in secretions such as: intestinal juices, sweat, tears, saliva, or respiratory mucus. Their role is to protect the body against viruses and bacteria that can enter the body from the outside. The action of immunoglobulin A is to ensure local immunity.
2. IgE immunoglobulin – are found in small amounts in the blood serum and play a role in the allergic response. When the allergen enters the body and first comes into contact, the immunoglobulin binds with it. During the next contact, immunoglobulins initiate an allergic reaction through the release of previously accumulated substances.
3. IgM immunoglobulin – in the blood serum are about 5-10 percent. all immunoglobulins. IgM is produced by B cells during the primary immune response. Their job is to connect cells with the antigen and then activate the complement system. IgM is later replaced by the IgG produced by the plasmocytes.
4. Immunoglobulin IgG – they are produced at a later stage of infection (see above); account for about 75 percent. all immunoglobulins found in the blood serum. The main goals of IgG are to fight viruses and bacteria.
5. IgD immunoglobulin – these are the least recognized immunoglobulins, which constitute the smallest amount in the blood serum.
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When do we do the immunoglobulin test?
Immunoglobulin testing is a common test performed in people who suffer from immune disorders or excessive allergic reactions. It is one of the basic diagnostic methods. The assessment of the level of immunoglobulins is necessary not only in autoimmune ailments, but also in the case of Lyme disease, anemia, and remove pigs. Below are the other most common indications for immunoglobulin testing.
1. Food and inhalation allergies.
2. Immune system disorders (frequent severe infections).
3. Suspicion of neoplasms of the lymphatic system.
4. Liver and spleen diseases (high IgA levels).
5. Suspicion of autoimmune diseases (eg systemic lupus or RA).
6. Chronic or acute inflammation.
7. Suspected viral, bacterial or parasitic infection.
8. AIDS.
9. Sarcoidosis.
10. Cirrhosis of the liver.
11. Suspicion of multiple myeloma.
Abnormal IgM antibodies may indicate an early stage of infection. As infection progresses, IgM levels begin to decline and IgG levels rise.
Immunoglobulins – a study
Material for immunoglobulin testing: serum. The concentration of IgA antibodies in the secretions is determined from the patient’s tear, saliva or intestinal juices sample.
Preparation for the test: on an empty stomach (at least 8 hours).
The course of the study: one-time blood sampling from a vein in the arm.
Waiting time for the immunoglobulin result: 1 Day.
The concentration of immunoglobulins is measured in a special laboratory with the use of automatic equipment.
Standards
The concentration of immunoglobulin depends on the age of the patient.
Standards:
— IgG – od 7,2 do 15,0 g/l,
— IgA – from 0,9 to 3,3 g/l,
— IgM – from 0,45 to 1,5 g/l,
— IgD – do 0,03 g/l,
— IgE – do 0,0003 g/l.
How should the immunoglobulin results be interpreted?
What does a high level of immunoglobulin in the blood mean?
a) Polyclonal IgA indicates: the initial stages of autoimmunity, respiratory disease, AIDS, inflammation, alcoholic cirrhosis, autoimmune and rheumatological complaints;
b) Monoclonal IgA indicates: lymphomas, chronic lymphocytic leukemias, multiple myeloma, Waldestrom’s macroglobulinemia, rheumatological and autoimmune diseases.
What is the reason for the low level of immunoglobulin in the blood?
- isolated IgA deficiency,
- agammaglobulinemia that occurs in boys
- lack of antibodies with thrombocytopenia,