Immunoglobulin A

Aka: Immunoglobulin A, IgA Immunoglobulin, Gamma Globulin A, IgA

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II. Lab: Normal

  1. Range: 50-350 mg/dl
  2. Varies by age

III. Physiology

  1. Subclasses IgA1, IgA2
  2. Dimer (2 Antibody molecules joined by j-chain) when secretory Ig with Molecular weight 350,000 dalton
  3. Accounts for 10-15% of all Antibody
  4. Serum half life of 6 days
  5. Present in body secretions (e.g. tears, Saliva, milk) and responsible for mucosal Immunity

IV. Causes: Increased IgA

  1. Lymphoproliferative disorders (e.g. Multiple Myeloma)
  2. Berger's Disease (IgA nephropathy)
  3. Chronic infection
  4. Autoimmune disorders
  5. Liver disease (e.g. Portal Cirrhosis)
  6. Henoch Schonlein Purpura

V. Causes: Decreased IgA

  1. IgA Hypogammaglobulinemia
  2. Protein losing Enteropathy
  3. Hereditary Ataxia and Telangiectasia
  4. Nephrotic Syndrome

VI. References

  1. Bakerman (1984) ABCs of Lab Data, p. 252-3
  2. Immunoglobulin M (IgM)
    1. Pentamer (5 Antibody molecules) when secretory Ig with Molecular weight 900,000 dalton
    2. Responsible for early, primary Antibody response
  3. Immunoglobulin E (IgE)
    1. Long stem (Fc) monomeric Antibody with Molecular weight 180,000 dalton
    2. Serum Half-Life of 2.5 days
    3. Reacts to allergans (Type 1 Hypersensitivity) and Parasitic Infections
  4. Immunoglobulin D (IgD)
    1. Monomer with Molecular weight 160,000 dalton
    2. Serum half life of 3 days
    3. Membrane bound surface Antibody

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