Immunoglobulins are a group of proteins (albumen) formed in plasma cells that specifically bind as antibodies with foreign substances (antigens) to render them harmless. The following classes of immunoglobulins can be distinguished:
- Immunoglobulin A (IgA) – secreted on all mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, eyes, gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary tract, and via special glands around the nipple of mothers, where it protects against pathogens; found in blood serum and body secretions.
- Immunoglobulin D (IgD) – occurs in the membrane of B lymphocytes.
- Immunoglobulin E (IgE) – mediates protection against parasites, such as worms. Upon antigen contact, it leads to the release of histamines, granzymes, etc.; found in the membrane of mast cells and basophilic granulocytes (allergic immediate reaction).
- Immunoglobulin G (IgG) – is formed only in a delayed defense phase (3 weeks) and remains for a long time. Detection of Ig G indicates a passed infection or vaccination; occurrence in blood serum and breast milk; placental.
- Immunoglobulin M (IgM) – is the first class of antibodies formed on initial contact with antigens and indicates the acute infectious phase of a disease; occurrence in blood serum.
Immunoglobulins are composed of two light and two heavy polypeptide chains connected by disulfide bridges. The IgG is the antibody in the secondary immune response, that is, it becomes active when there has been an infection with a pathogen already known to the immune system. In addition, it is also involved in the mucosal barrier.
The process
Material needed
- Blood serum
Preparation of the patient
- Not necessary
Disruptive factors
- Not known
Standard values
| Age | Normal value in mg/dl | Normal value in IU/ml |
| Newborn | 660-1.750 | 75,9-201,25 |
| 1st month of life | 390-1.050 | 44,85-120,75 |
| 2nd month of life | 250-680 | 28,75-78,2 |
| 3rd month of life | 200-550 | 23-63,25 |
| 4th month of life | 200-540 | 23-62,1 |
| 5. month of life | 220-600 | 25,3-69 |
| 6th month of life | 260-690 | 29,9-79,35 |
| 7th month of life | 290-770 | 33,35-88,55 |
| 8th month of life | 320-840 | 36,8-96,6 |
| 9th month of life | 330-880 | 37,95-101,2 |
| 10th month of life | 350-910 | 40,25-104,65 |
| 11th month of life | 350-930 | 40,25-106,95 |
| 1 year | 360-950 | 41,4-109,25 |
| 2 years | 470-1.230 | 54,05-141,45 |
| 4 years | 540-1.340 | 62,1-154,1 |
| 6 years | 590-1.430 | 67,85-164,45 |
| 8 years | 630-1.500 | 72,45-172,5 |
| 10 years | 670-1.530 | 77,05-175,95 |
| 12 years | 700-1.550 | 80,5-178,25 |
| 14 years | 710-1.560 | 81,65-179,4 |
| 16 years | 720-1.560 | 82,8-179,4 |
| 18 years | 730-1.550 | 83,95-178,25 |
| > 18 years | 700-1.600 | 80,5-184 |
Indications
- Suspected chronic infections
- Suspicion of plasmocytoma (multiple myeloma).
Interpretation
Interpretation of increased values
- Autoimmune diseases, unspecified
- Chronic hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
- Chronic infections
- Cirrhosis of the liver – connective tissue remodeling of the liver that leads to functional limitations.
- Plasmocytoma (multiple myeloma)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Tumors, unspecified