Antibodies Gamma globulins

AGAMMAGLOBULINEMIA Absence of circulating IgG antibodies (gamma globulins) in the serum. 

Tissue plasminogen activators Human growth hormone Neuroactive peptides Regulatory peptides Lymphokines Human serum albumin Gamma globulin Antihemophilic factors Monoclonal antibodies... 

Antibodies are members of a group of proteins known collectively as immunoglobulins. The name is derived from the observation that during electrophoresis of blood plasma the proteins associated with antibody activity migrate with the gamma globulin fraction. 

Injected forms of antibodies which have been generated in another body or animal can be isolated, purified, and administered as standard human immune serum globulin (ISG), and ISG plus preparation, or as an animal antiserum or antitoxin. Some serums which are available are those for rabies, snake and insect bites, botulism, and tetanus. Temporary immunity of up to six months to hepatitis can be imparted by one "gamma globulin" shot. More permanent active immunity is available to health care workers. 

GAMMA GLOBULIN. The fraction of the protein globulins of the blood plasma in which are found the antibodies. 

Bernier, G.M. Cebra, J. J. (1964). Polypeptide chains of human gamma-globulin cellular localization by fluorescent antibody. Science 144,1590-1591. 

Antibodies (immunoglobulins) constitute the gamma globulin part of the blood proteins. They are soluble proteins secreted by the plasma offspring (clones) of activated B-cells. 

The blood constituents of gamma globulin are IgG-76%, IgA-15%, lgM-8%, IgD-1% and IgE-0.002% (responsible for autoimmune responses, such as allergies, and diseases like arthritis, multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)). IgG is the only antibody that can cross the placental barrier to the foetus, and it is responsible for the 3-6 month passive immunity of newborns that is conferred by the mother. 

Chronic liver diseases are generally associated with an increase in y-globulins, which is indicative of the effects of the chronic process on the liver mesenchyma. (lOO) Gamma globulins invariably possess features of antibodies and are therefore termed immunoglobulins. 

Immune globulin (IG) is a purified preparation of gamma globulin. It is derived from large pools of human plasma and is comprised of four subclasses of antibodies, approximating the distribution of human serum (Ballow, 2005). 

Porter, R.R. The hydrolysis of rabbit gamma-globulin and antibodies with crystalline papain. Biochemistry 73 119-126, 1959. 

Molecules that are too small to induce antibody formation (formula weight 1000 to 5000, called haptens as opposed to antigens, e.g., smaller polypeptides, steroids) are linked to carriers such as proteins or synthetic compounds before they are injected. Common carriers are human gamma globulin and albumin, synthetic peptides, and polymers. 

The double-antibody technique is also widely used. Here, a second antibody is employed to precipitate the primary antigen-antibody complex. This second antibody is produced by injecting a second animal with the gamma globulin produced in the first animal used to prepare the first antibody. Although the use of a second antibody introduces another source of error, the double-antibody technique has the advantage of being applicable for almost any inununoassay, and the separation is complete. 

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