Immunoglobulins

Immunoglobulins: most abundant to least:

GAMDE

IgG.

IgA.

IgM.

IgD.

IgE.

IgG

639 to 1,349 mg/dl.

(usually about 75% of total)

only immunoglobulin that cross placenta.

Protects against viruses, bacteria, and toxins.

secondary defense.

Lack of IgG causes severe immunodeficiency.

IgA

70 to 312 mg/dl.

(10-15%)

Second most common immunoglobulin in the blood stream.

First Line of Defense.

Present in surface secretions, saliva, tears, and colostrum.

IgM

86 to 352 mg/dl.

(7-10%)

Does not cross the placenta.

antibodies are indicators of infections.

antibodies to blood group antigens are in this immunoglobulin.

IgD

*0.5 to 3 mg/dl.

(<1%)

functions are unclear at present time.

IgE

0.01 to 0.04 mg/dl.

(<1%)

Increases in allergic states and in the event of parasitic infestation.

The RAST measures the quantity and the increase of antigen-specific I-g-E in the serum. Thus it helps to establish the diagnosis of allergic disease by i.d. which allergy is causing clinical symptoms such as hay fever, asthma, or skin rashes.