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Immunoglobulin A
Aka: Immunoglobulin A, IgA Immunoglobulin, Gamma Globulin A, IgA
- Lab: Normal
- Range: 50-350 mg/dl
- Varies by age
- Physiology
- Subclasses IgA1, IgA2
- Dimer (2 Antibody molecules joined by j-chain) when secretory Ig with Molecular weight 350,000 dalton
- Accounts for 10-15% of all Antibody
- Serum half life of 6 days
- Present in body secretions (e.g. tears, Saliva, milk) and responsible for mucosal Immunity
- Causes: Increased IgA
- Lymphoproliferative disorders (e.g. Multiple Myeloma)
- Berger's Disease (IgA nephropathy)
- Chronic infection
- Autoimmune disorders
- Liver disease (e.g. Portal Cirrhosis)
- Henoch Schonlein Purpura
- Causes: Decreased IgA
- IgA Hypogammaglobulinemia
- Protein losing Enteropathy
- Hereditary Ataxia and telangiectasia
- Nephrotic Syndrome
- References
- Bakerman (1984) ABCs of Lab Data, p. 252-3
- Immunoglobulin M (IgM)
- Pentamer (5 Antibody molecules) when secretory Ig with Molecular weight 900,000 dalton
- Responsible for early, primary Antibody response
- Immunoglobulin E (IgE)
- Long stem (Fc) monomeric Antibody with Molecular weight 180,000 dalton
- Serum half-life of 2.5 days
- Reacts to allergans (Type 1 Hypersensitivity) and Parasitic Infections
- Immunoglobulin D (IgD)
- Monomer with Molecular weight 160,000 dalton
- Serum half life of 3 days
- Membrane bound surface Antibody