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What is an Immunoglobulin?

Amy Hunter
Amy Hunter

Immunoglobulin is a type of protein that helps the body fight disease. Immunoglobulin, abbreviated at Ig, is also referred to as antibody. The substance is located in various parts of the body, depending on the type of immunoglobulin it is and its function. There are five different forms of the antibody, each with a particular job.

IgA is located in the respiratory and digestive tract, the nose, ears, eyes, and vagina. IgA is responsible for protecting the body from outside invaders. It is found in saliva, blood, and tears. IgG is the smallest form of immunoglobulin, and is located in all body fluids. It is responsible for fighting bacterial and viral infections, and is the only antibody that crosses the placenta to protect a fetus during pregnancy.

Immunoglobulins are proteins formed by white blood cells that act as antibodies.
Immunoglobulins are proteins formed by white blood cells that act as antibodies.

IgM is the largest antibody. It is the first responder to infection, and is located in the blood and lymph fluid. Along with mounting an initial response to foreign bodies, IgM also encourages other immune system cells to fight the infection. IgD is located in the tissues of the torso and chest, and researchers have not determined its function.

IgE is located in the various mucous membranes, in the skin, and the lungs. IgE is responsible for the body's reaction to allergens such as pollen, fungus, dander, and spores. It may also trigger allergic reactions when exposed to milk, medications, and poisons. People who suffer from allergies often have high levels of IgE.

One form of immunoglobulin is IgA, which can be found in the ears among other places in the body.
One form of immunoglobulin is IgA, which can be found in the ears among other places in the body.

Someone experiencing health problems may have their immunoglobulin levels tested. This is a simple blood test, and the results are typically available in a few days. It is possible for a healthcare provider to diagnose various conditions by testing antibody levels.

High levels of IgA may indicate multiple myeloma, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, or an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis. High levels of IgG are often a sign of a chronic, long-term infection, or multiple sclerosis. Elevated levels of IgM may signal mononucleosis, parasitic infection, or kidney damage. High levels of IgE indicate allergies or asthma.

High levels of IgA may indicate cirrhosis of the liver.
High levels of IgA may indicate cirrhosis of the liver.

Low levels of IgA or IgG may indicate leukemia or kidney damage. Low levels of IgM are often a sign of immune system problems, and low levels of IgE are often a sign of an inherited muscle condition that affects coordination. Immunoglobulin levels are very helpful when trying to pinpoint a health concern, but are not the only tests used to diagnose these conditions.

Discussion Comments

Tomislav

@amysamp - I see your thinking, that you may need to replenish the IgA if it is high and therefore chronically fighting the infection therefore you might need new immunoglobulin antibodies to continue the fight.

However, I have only heard of IgG being administered intravenously. And this antibody is administered for Immune deficiencies, acquired compromised immunity conditions, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and acute infections.

And if I remember correctly these diseases occur with low immunoglobulin counts so the immunoglobulin being administered via IV may be to increase the levels as opposed to replenish the levels.

amysamp

How great are these immunoglobulin antibodies? (Except of course when you have the high levels of IgE and you feel affects from various allergies more than the folk with the average level of IgE.)

If you are suffering from cirrhosis of the liver or rheumatoid arthritis and therefore you have high levels of IgA, will you ever need to replace or get any more immunoglobulin via intravenously (more often said as receiving immunoglobulin via iv) or maybe have an immunoglobulin infusion?

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    • Immunoglobulins are proteins formed by white blood cells that act as antibodies.
      By: fotoliaxrender
      Immunoglobulins are proteins formed by white blood cells that act as antibodies.
    • One form of immunoglobulin is IgA, which can be found in the ears among other places in the body.
      By: Den
      One form of immunoglobulin is IgA, which can be found in the ears among other places in the body.
    • High levels of IgA may indicate cirrhosis of the liver.
      By: peterjunaidy
      High levels of IgA may indicate cirrhosis of the liver.
    • A doctor can order simple blood to test for antibody levels and diagnose various health conditions.
      By: Tim UR
      A doctor can order simple blood to test for antibody levels and diagnose various health conditions.
    • High levels of IgG may be a sign of multiple sclerosis.
      By: designua
      High levels of IgG may be a sign of multiple sclerosis.
    • IgA is found in tears.
      By: olly
      IgA is found in tears.
    • IgA is found in saliva.
      By: Adrian Costea
      IgA is found in saliva.
    • IgG is the smallest form of immunoglobulin, and can be found in all bodily fluids.
      By: designua
      IgG is the smallest form of immunoglobulin, and can be found in all bodily fluids.