Question 1

what are structural differences of the immunoglobulins?

Accepted Answer

Antibodies: Structural difference exist for all classes of antibody; igg, igm, iga, ige and igd. The structure of the antibody is insignificant when compared to the common ability to bind specifically to an antigen, typically a foreign protein or carbohydrate. Structural differences do account for different immune cell binding properties and also complement fixation (which helps in defense).

Question 2

what is an immunoglobulin?

Accepted Answer

Part of immune sys: Immunoglobulins are proteins that we make that are part of our immune system. There are four main types igg, igm, IgA and ige all of which perform different functions.

Question 3

what is an immunoglobulin fold?

Accepted Answer

Immunoglobulin fold: is part of the complex molecular structure of the Ig antibody

Question 4

what does a high immunoglobulin mean ?

Accepted Answer

How high?: Minimally elevated probably not worth worrying about. Very or moderately high requires a test - serum immunoelectrophoresis - to rule-out multiple myeloma. Minimally high bears repeating twice a year.

Question 5

which is the largest type of immunoglobulin?

Accepted Answer

IgM: Igm is the class of immunoglobulins which is the largest.  The classes of immunoglobulin can be "sized" from largest to smallest is igm, iga, igd/ige, igg.

Question 6

what is immunoglobulin diversity generated by?

Accepted Answer

Combinatorial: The genes that encode our antigen receptors (immunoglobulin and T cell receptors) are made up of hundreds of gene segments. These "V-D-J" segments recombine in potentially millions of combinations so that each immune cell has one final version that makes a unique receptor. This process is random but if the cell encounters its antigen it will be activated and can turn into a "memory" cell.

Question 7

what does a high immunoglobulin level mean for you?

Accepted Answer

It depends: There are several types of immunoglobulin, igg, iga, IgM and ige.  Having a "high" level of each of them could mean different things.  It is also important to know if it is a "high" overall level, or a "high" level of a specific kind of igg, iga, igm, or ige.  In general, a high ige means "allergy".  High igg/a/m can mean different things depending on their specificity (total or specific).

Question 8

what is immunoglobulin used for? what is it exactly?

Accepted Answer

Ready made antibodies: Immunoglobulins are mainly used to replace deficiency, in other words people with weakened immune systems who don't produce enough antibodies for whatever reason. Immunoglobulins are used also for other conditions to combat some immunologic problems not otherwise helped by other treatments

Question 9

who are the people that need to take rh immunoglobulin?

Accepted Answer

Rh sensitization: Rh sensitization can only occur if an rh negative person is exposed to rh positive blood. This can happen with blood transfusions or from rh positive fetal blood spill-over into the mother's blood stream during delivery. Once formed, these antibodies can harm future pregnancies. If the baby's dad is rh positive, rh negative mom's should get an injection of rh antibody to stop her production.

Question 10

what is the definition or description of: immunoglobulin?

Accepted Answer

Immunoglobulins: Immunoglobulins are antibodies produced by  b cells.  They have a y shaped configuration.  They are involved in protecting us from bacteria and viruses.

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Immunoglobulin

A member asked:

What are structural differences of the immunoglobulins?

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What is an immunoglobulin?

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What is an immunoglobulin fold?

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What does a high immunoglobulin mean ?

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Which is the largest type of immunoglobulin?

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What is immunoglobulin diversity generated by?

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What does a high immunoglobulin level mean for you?

A member asked:

What is immunoglobulin used for? what is it exactly?

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Who are the people that need to take rh immunoglobulin?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: immunoglobulin?

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