About Immunoglobulin

Immunoglobulin A


IgA specializes in mucous membranes. The immunoglobulin A (IgA) specializes in defense of antigens on the surfaces of the human mucous membranes such as nose, throat and intestines . Their share in the total amount of antibody is approximately 17 percent. Often pathogen and allergens are  intercepted by the IgA. It can be found in the milk of a breastfeeding mother. She can transmit the defense substances to the infant.


Immunoglobulin M


IgM is the quick-starter among the immunoglobulins. If a foreign pathogen enters the body, the body reacts first with the production of immunoglobulin M (IgM). Because IgM is so fast, it is sometimes referred to as early antibodies.



IgM and IgG to work hand in hand.  The production of IgM drops a few weeks after the start of the infection. Then, for the protection of the organism, the IgG antibodies  increase. They provide special protection. It is through this mechanism which a specific laboratory diagnosis is possible.


If infection is an initial infection, the IgM production increases rapidly.

If infection is a secondary infection, the IgM concentration remains low.

The acute phase of infection decreases the concentration of IgM.


Immunoglobulin D

IgD activate the B-lymphocytes. The immunoglobulin D (IgD) is detectable only in very small amounts in the serum. The function and significance is not yet much known. The activation of B lymphocytes plays a role, because it "sits" on the surface of B lymphocytes, and deals with them in the bloodstream.
Immunoglobulin E


IgE is important in allergy and worm infections. The immunoglobulin E (IgE) is also highly specialized and plays in the defense against worm infections and allergies. It originates from the lymphatic tissues. From there, it enters the blood. IgE is detectable in tiny quantities only. Only 0.001 percent of all immunoglobulins are IgE. Nevertheless, it plays more than 90 percent of all allergic processes.


The small amount of IgE is also responsible for ensuring that it will be designated with the name Reagin. IgE was discovered only much later than the other immunoglobulins.


IgE leads to the release of mediators that cause inflammation. IgE, like all immunoglobulins, has a protein body. It can easily couple to all other body cells. IgE in the skin and mucous membranes are mostly found in allergic reactions to allergens. When allergens on the skin and mucous membranes come in contact with IgE, they cause the IgE to change in the function of various cells. These changes lead to the release of substances from the cells, causing an inflammatory reaction. These substances are called mediators. The best-known mediator is histamine.Find more information from anatomy lessons at school or over the internet.