Immunoglobulin Deficiency

[Guest guest]

First lets get some definitions and some

basics:

Globulin is a group of proteins in your blood that helps to

fight

infections. It is comprised of many different proteins. Some of the

proteins in this group play an important role in

blood clotting. If your globulin level is abnormal, your doctor may

want to measure some of the other proteins that make up this

group..

Among

the most important of the proteins are the immunoglobulins (Ig), the

antibodies (antibodies are the fighter cells) of the immune system. There are five

classes of immunoglobulins designated IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM;

gamma globulin (IgG) being the most prolific. These Antibody

molecules are able to chemically recognize other large molecules that

act as antigens.

An antigens is a substance that induces the

formation of antibodies because it is

recognized by the immune system as a threat. It may be a foreign

substance from the environment (such as chemicals) or

formed within the body (such as bacterial or viral toxins).

In

autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus,

individuals produce antibodies against their own proteins and cell

components. If their immunoglobulin levels are not high enough

(Immunoglobulin Deficiency), then the body has less of a chance of

fighting off infection, inflammation, or disease.

In some cases, the immunoglobulin deficiency causes the body to not

regulate its own blood supply and the person may become anemic.

Example:

A woman has been told by her doctor that her immunoglobulin levels are

abnormal and are deficient in the number of cells needed to keep her

well. (She has a immunoglobulin deficiency.)

Then the woman is exposed to someone who is ill. Since her body does

not have enough of the fighting cells, she gets very ill because her

antibodies are just not in high enough amounts to fight off the

illness. To help her with her problem, her doctor may give her

injections of gamma globulin to help boost her system.

[Guest guest]

,

thanks for the info.