A person is surrounded by bacteria and germs throughout his life. Many of them, living outside, do not cause any problems to human health, and some even bring benefits. However, along with harmless microbes, pathogens that provoke viral and infectious diseases can also enter the human body. The human body tries to fight with them. And here immunoglobulins enter the arena.
Immunoglobulin is a special cell contained in the blood of a person and supports his immunity. When foreign cells, viruses or microorganisms are detected, these immune molecules begin to neutralize them.
What is immunoglobulin: features
Immunoglobulins are an important tool of the immune system. They have a number of characteristic features:
- Specificity. It consists in neutralizing only the causative agent of the disease. While most antimicrobial and antiviral drugs have toxic effects not only on pathogens, but also on the body's own cells.
- Harmless to the body.
- Minimum concentration is required to combat antigen.
- Mobility. With blood, immunoglobulins enter the most remote parts and cells of the body to control pests.
The functions of immune molecules
Immunoglobulin is a protein that copes with many biological functions, which are as follows:
- recognition of a foreign substance;
- subsequent binding to the antigen and the formation of the immune complex;
- protection against re-infection;
- destruction of excess immunoglobulins by anti-idiotypic types of antibodies;
- rejection of tissues of another species, for example, transplanted organs.
Classification of immunoglobulins
Five groups of immunoglobulins are distinguished depending on the molecular weight, structure, and functions performed: G (IgG), M (IgM), A (IgA), E (IgE), D (IgD).
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is found in plasma in very small quantities. It is fixed on skin cells, on mucous membranes and basophils. This group of immunoglobulins is responsible for the occurrence of an allergic reaction. Attaching it to the antigen leads to the occurrence of edema, itching, burning and other allergic reactions.
If immunoglobulin E is elevated, this indicates the penetration of irritating substances into the body or the presence of an allergy to a large number of histamines. To establish an accurate diagnosis, additional blood tests should be performed to identify specific antibodies.
In addition, in the case when immunoglobulin E is elevated, it is also necessary to take an analysis for the presence of parasitizing substances in the body, for example, helminths. These worms parasitize on internal organs, destroying the mucous membrane, which results in the intensification of the production of protein cells.
Immunoglobulin M (lgM) has an increased molecular weight, due to which it can not penetrate the blood of a child during its intrauterine development. The fetus produces it on its own. The production of this group of immunoglobulins begins first after infection has entered the body. Immunoglobulin M plays an important role in the process of removing the pathogen from the bloodstream. An increase in immunoglobulin M is an indicator of a severe inflammatory process in the body. For example, the increased content of these titers in umbilical cord blood indicates the occurrence of intrauterine infection of the fetus, infection with rubella, syphilis or toxoplasmosis.
Immunoglobulin G makes up the bulk of the immune cells in the blood. Production begins a few days after the infection enters the body and after the start of production of immunoglobulin M. It is stored in the body for a long time. This is the only type of antibody that is transmitted from mother to child and creates passive immunity.
Immunoglobulin lgA is called secretory, as it protects the respiratory, urinary tract and gastrointestinal tract from infections. Also reflects the attack of viruses on the mucous membranes. What is immunoglobulin D, its quantity and function, is still not fully understood.
Assignment of immunoglobulin analysis
A blood test to determine the amount of immunoglobulin E is prescribed if bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, food or drug allergies are detected. Recurrent pneumonia, skin abscesses, frequent fractures of the extremities, scoliosis and sinusitis indicate a genetic pathology, expressed in an abnormally high concentration of immune proteins of group E.
An immunoglobulin M test is prescribed for the detection of acute and chronic purulent infections, intrauterine infection of the fetus, hepatitis and cirrhosis, and parasitic diseases. Blood donation for analysis of the amount of IgG immunoglobulins occurs when recurrent respiratory and bacterial infections, chronic viral and infectious hepatitis, and AIDS are detected.
An analysis of immunoglobulin A is done with recurrent meningitis, otitis media, sinusitis, myeloma, leukemia, lymphoma.
Deficit condition
Deficiency of antibodies of any fraction indicates the presence of an immunodeficiency state. It can be either congenital, that is, primary, or secondary, acquired. It manifests itself in recurrent and chronic bacterial infections. The most common deficiency of immunoglobulin lgA. This is expressed in increased sensitivity to infections. The causes of secondary immunodeficiencies can be very diverse - from malnutrition to exposure to ionizing radiation.
The use of human immunoglobulin
Immunoglobulin is not only protein cells that perform a protective function, but also a substance that is actively used in medicine. Available in two forms:
- solution for intramuscular injection;
- powder for intravenous administration.
A human immunoglobulin can be prescribed with substitution treatment:
- primary and secondary immunodeficiencies;
- severe viral and bacterial infections;
- various autoimmune diseases;
- AIDS in children;
- for the prevention of diseases in premature babies.
Antiallergenic immunoglobulin can significantly improve the condition of a child with a constantly recurring pronounced allergy. He can only be appointed by a qualified attending physician.
As part of preventive vaccinations, you can also find human or animal immunoglobulin. Serum is used to form passive immunity. Included in vaccines against flu, rubella, mumps, measles.
Treatment with immunoglobulins
Treatment using immune cells is carried out exclusively in a hospital, as there are a number of side effects:
- fever, chills, headaches;
- shortness of breath, dry cough;
- vomiting, diarrhea, pain in the stomach;
- drowsiness, weakness, sensitivity to light;
- tachycardia, chest discomfort.
With strict supervision by a doctor, the drug can be prescribed to pregnant women and during breastfeeding.
Where to buy drugs with immunoglobulin
You can buy a drug with immune cells at a pharmacy. Attached is an instruction with a detailed description, contraindications and dosage. But buying and taking the drug without a prescription is not worth it. The price of intramuscular immunoglobulin for 10 ampoules averages 800-900 rubles. A 25-millimeter bottle for intravenous injection costs an average of 2600 rubles. In the pharmacy, you can also purchase drugs for emergency prevention, which include human immunoglobulin. Its price will be much higher, but they are simply necessary for a person who has fallen into an epidemic outbreak.
Immunoglobulin is a protein of a globular nature, the absence or deficiency of which seriously affects the state of the human body. Isolated from blood plasma, it is present in most immunostimulating drugs.