Immunoglobulin is what? Immunoglobulin (analysis): norm and abnormalities

A person is surrounded by bacteria and microbes throughout his life. Many of them living outside do not cause any problems to human health, and some even benefit. However, along with harmless microbes, pathogenic microorganisms that provoke viral and infectious diseases can enter the human body. With them, the human body tries to fight. And here on the arena go immunoglobulins.

Immunoglobulin - a special cell contained in the blood of a person and supporting its immunity. When detecting foreign cells, viruses or microorganisms, these immune molecules begin to neutralize them.

What is an immunoglobulin: Features

Immunoglobulins are an important tool of the immune system. They have a number of characteristic features:

1. Specificity. It is the neutralization of the agent itself. Whereas most antimicrobial and antiviral drugs are toxic to not only the pathogens, but also to the body's own cells.
2. Harmless to the body.
3. A minimum concentration is required to fight the antigen.
4. Mobility. With blood, immunoglobulins enter the most remote parts and cells of the body to fight pests.

Functions of immune molecules

Immunoglobulin is a protein that copes with many biological functions, which are as follows:

• Recognition of a foreign substance;
• Subsequent binding to the antigen and formation of an immune complex;
• Protection against re-infection;
• Destruction of excess immunoglobulins with anti-idiotypic types of antibodies;
• The rejection of tissues of another biological species, for example, transplanted organs.

Classification of immunoglobulins

Depending on the molecular weight, structure and performed functions, five groups of immunoglobulins are distinguished: G (log G), M (lgM), A (lgA), E (lgE), D (lgD).

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is contained in blood plasma in very small amounts. It is fixed on skin cells, on mucous membranes and basophils. This group of immunoglobulins is responsible for the occurrence of an allergic reaction. Joining it to the antigen leads to the appearance of edema, itching, burning and other allergic reactions.

If immunoglobulin E is elevated, it indicates the penetration of irritants into the body or the presence of allergies to a large number of histamines. To establish an accurate diagnosis, additional blood tests should be performed to identify specific antibodies.

In addition, in the case where immunoglobulin E is elevated, it is also necessary to pass an analysis for the presence in the body of parasitizing substances, for example, helminths. These worms parasitize the internal organs, destroying the mucous membrane, which results in an intensification of the production of protein cells.

Immunoglobulin M (lgM) has an increased molecular weight, which is why it can not penetrate the blood of the child during its intrauterine development. The fetus produces it on its own. The development of this group of immunoglobulins begins the first after getting the infection into the body. Immunoglobulin M plays an important role in the process of excretion of the pathogen from the bloodstream. The increase in immunoglobulin M is an indicator of a serious inflammatory process in the body. For example, the increased content of these titers in the cord blood indicates the occurrence of intrauterine infection of the fetus, the infection with rubella, syphilis or toxoplasmosis.

Immunoglobulin G is the main number of immune cells in the blood. The development begins several days after the infection enters the body and after the beginning of the production of immunoglobulin M. It is stored in the body for a long time. This is the only type of antibodies transmitted from mother to child and creating passive immunity.

Immunoglobulin IgA is called secretory, as it protects the respiratory, urinary tract and gastrointestinal tract from infections. Also reflects the attack of viruses on the mucous membranes. What is immunoglobulin D, its number and functions, is not fully understood to the end.

Assignment of immunoglobulin assay

A blood test to determine the amount of immunoglobulin E is prescribed in the case of bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, food or drug allergy. Recurrent pulmonary inflammation, cutaneous abscesses, frequent limb fractures, scoliosis and sinusitis suggest a genetic pathology expressed in an abnormally high concentration of immune proteins in group E.

The immunoglobulin M assay is indicated for acute and chronic purulent infections, intrauterine fetus infection, hepatitis and cirrhosis, parasitic diseases. To donate blood for the analysis of the amount of IgG immunoglobulins occurs when there are recurrent respiratory and bacterial infections, chronic viral and infectious hepatitis, AIDS.

The test for immunoglobulin A is done with relapsing meningitis, otitis, sinusitis, myeloma, leukemia, lymphoma.

Deficiency

Deficiency of antibodies of any fraction indicates the presence of an immunodeficiency state. It can be both congenital, that is, primary, and secondary, acquired. It is manifested in recurrent and chronic bacterial infections. The most common deficiency of IgG is immunoglobulin. This is expressed in an increased sensitivity to infections. The causes of the emergence of secondary immunodeficiencies can be very diverse - from eating disorders to exposure to ionizing radiation.

The use of human immunoglobulin

Immunoglobulin - is not only protein cells that perform a protective function, but also a substance that is actively used in medicine. Produced in two forms:

• Solution for intramuscular injection;
• Powder for intravenous administration.

A human immunoglobulin can be prescribed for substitution treatment:

• Primary and secondary immunodeficiencies;
• Severe viral and bacterial infections;
• Various autoimmune diseases;
• AIDS in children;
• For the prevention of diseases in premature infants.

Antiallergenic immunoglobulin can significantly improve a child's condition with a constantly recurring pronounced allergy. It can be appointed only by a qualified physician.

As part of preventive vaccinations, you can also find human or animal immunoglobulin. Serum is used to form passive immunity. Included in the vaccination against influenza, rubella, mumps, measles.

Treatment with immunoglobulins

Treatment with the use of immune cells is carried out exclusively in the hospital, as there are a number of side effects:

• Fever, chills, headaches;
• Shortness of breath, dry cough;
• Vomiting, diarrhea, rezi in the stomach;
• Drowsiness, weakness, sensitivity to light;
• Tachycardia, chest discomfort.

At the strictest observation at the doctor the preparation can be registered to pregnant women and during breast-feeding.

Where to buy drugs with immunoglobulin

Buy a drug with immune cells can be in the pharmacy. Attached is an instruction with a detailed description, contraindications and dosage. But buy and take the drug without the appointment is not worth it. The price of intramuscular immunoglobulin for 10 ampoules averages 800-900 rubles. A 25-millimeter bottle for intravenous injections costs an average of 2,600 rubles. In the pharmacy you can also buy drugs for emergency prevention, which include human immunoglobulin. Its price will be much higher, but they are simply necessary for a person who has fallen into an epidemic outbreak.

Immunoglobulin is a globular protein whose absence or deficiency seriously affects the condition of the human body. Isolated from blood plasma, it is present in most immunostimulating drugs.