Hypergammaglobulinemia

Hypergammaglobulinemia is an increased level of gamma globulins (most often IgE, IgM, and IgG) in blood. It is seen frequently in chronic infectious diseases, including chronic granulomatous inflammations, chronic bacterial infections, liver disease, multiple myeloma, lymphomas, abnormal protein production and/or secretion, and autoimmune diseases and results in response to tissue damage and inflammation. Increases in gamma globulins may be polyclonal (broad) or monoclonal (sharp) peaks.

Gamma globulin is a protein found in the blood that helps fight infection. It is also a substance prepared from a mixture of proteins in the fluid portion of the blood. Gamma globulin can be used to quickly boost short-term immunity and improve the immune systems of individuals who have been exposed to serious infectious diseases. Gamma globulin medication is usually given by injection.

A type of gamma globulin, called immunoglobulin, is responsible for the body's immune response. It is manufactured by plasma cells. In response to an antigen, or foreign substance, the body produces antibodies.

IgG is the major antibody of plasma and the most important part of the body's immune response. Most immune diseases are marked by IgG autoantibodies.

IgM is initially produced to fight antigens but soon decreases and allows IgG to take over. It plays an important but secondary role in autoimmunity.

IgA is the major antibody of external secretions (tears, gastrointestinal tract secretions, and respiratory secretions). It is important in autoimmune diseases.

IgE binds to mast cells and mediates allergic reactions.

IgD is poorly understood but has a role in helping B cells to recognize antigens.

References

1. Daniel J. Wallace. The Lupus Book
2. Recent Advances in Determining the Pathogenesis of Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis Shimon Harrus, Trevor Waner,2 Hylton Bark, Frans Jongejan, and Albert W. C. A. Cornelissen. In:Journal of Clinical Microbiology, September 1999, p. 2745-2749, Vol. 37, No. 9
3. Concise Medical Encyclopedia. American Medical Association