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Introduction
In modern era, serum immunoglobulin assay takes a major role in diagnosis of various diseases
and in ascertain their types, mode, depth and age of the infections, allergic as well as
autoimmune disorders. The study of these immunoglobins or immunoglobulins is therefore
necessary for Homoeopaths too in deciding the chronicity and prognosis of a case. The
repeated immunoassay is a good and reliable meter to see the progress of the case and to
guide the physician in directing the correct line of treatment.
DEFINITION OF IMMUNOGLOBULINS
Abbr. - Ig
Immunoglobulins are glycoprotein molecules that are produced by plasma cells in response to
an immunogen and which function as antibodies (Psora).
FUNCTIONS OF IMMUNOGLOBULINS
1- Antigen binding - Immunoglobulins bind specifically to one or a few closely related
antigens (Psora).
2- Effector Functions – The biological effects are due to secondary "effector functions"
of antibodies (Psora). The ability to carry out a particular effector function requires that
the antibody bind to its antigen. Effector functions include-
a. Fixation of complement - This results in lysis of cells (Syphilis) and
release of biologically active molecules (Psora).
b. Binding to various cell types - Phagocytes, lymphocytes, platelets,
mast cells, and basophils have receptors that bind immunoglobulins. This
binding can activate the cells to perform their functions (Psora). Some
immunoglobulins also bind to receptors on placental trophoblasts, which
results in transfer of the immunoglobulin across the placenta. As a result,
the transferred maternal antibodies provide immunity to the fetus and
infant.
Increases in:
Decreases in:
a. Agammaglobulinemia
b. Bence Jones proteinemia
c. Chronic lymphoblastic leukemia
d. IgA myeloma
e. Lymphoid aplasia
f. Selective IgG, IgA deficiency
2. IgM - Mu heavy chains- 1st to circulate; indicates infection; too large to cross placenta.
a. Actinomycosis
b. Carrión's disease (bartonellosis)
c. Incertain cases Dysgammaglobulinemia
d. Infectious mononucleosis
e. Lupus erythematosus
f. Malaria
g. Rheumatoid arthritis
h. Trypanosomiasis
i. Waldenström's macroglobulinemia
Decreases in:
a. Agammaglobulinemia
b. Chronic lymphoblastic leukemia
c. Dysgammaglobulinemia
d. IgG and IgA myeloma
e. In certain cases Lymphoproliferative disorders
f. Lymphoid aplasia
3. IgA - Alpha heavy chains- 1st to circulate; indicates infection; too large to cross placenta.
Increases in:
Decreases in:
4. IgD - Delta heavy chains- 1st to circulate; indicates infection; too large to cross placenta.
Increases in:
a. Chronic infections
b. IgD myelomas
5. IgE - Epsilon heavy chains- 1st to circulate; indicates infection; too large to cross placenta
Increases in:
a. Anaphylactic shock
b. Asthma
c. Atopic skin diseases such as eczema
d. Hay fever
e. IgE-myeloma
Decreases in:
a. Congenital agammaglobulinemia
b. Hypogammaglobulinemia due to faulty metabolism or synthesis of
immunoglobulins
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