Description #
This lecture will first look at the structure and function of immunoglobulins (Igs), and the tests that measure Igs. We will explore the causes for increases and decreases of Igs in serum, and the diseases associated with a monoclonal Ig. Next we move on to cellular vs. humoral immunity, and the ways in which immunoglobulins bind to antigens. We will discuss the different classes of Igs and the evaluation of Igs in the blood, and serum protein electrophoresis. This is followed by discussions of Agarose gel patterns, quantitative Igs, reference ranges, polyclonal Igs and monoclonal Igs, Multiple Myeloma, malignant clones of plasma cells, Rouleaux formations, and SPE in Multiple Myeloma. We finish with a discussion of immunofixation, electrophoresis of the urine, and Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinema.
Learning Objectives #
- Order and interpret results for protein electrophoresis
- List causes of hyper- and hypogammaglobulinemia
- Name several diseases/conditions that are associated with a monoclonal immunoglobulin in serum
Immunoglobulins Lecture Videos by Dr.William E. Schreiber, MD #
Part 1
Part 2
You can also find the lecture slides here.