Specific M Protein Reagent Immunoglobulin M (IgM Reagent) Beckman Coulter OSR61173

Description

Specific M Protein Reagent Immunoglobulin M (IgM Reagent) Beckman Coulter OSR61173 for Immunoglobulin M test (IgM test):

Intended Use

System reagent for the quantitative determination of IgM immunoglobulins in human serum and plasma on Beckman Coulter AU analyzers.

Specific M Protein Reagent Immunoglobulin M (IgM Reagent) for Immunoglobulin M test (IgM test) Beckman Coulter OSR61173: Summary

The spectrum of abnormalities in serum immunoglobulin concentrations is broad. Abnormal concentrations range from a virtual absence of one or more of the three major classes of immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA and IgM) to polyclonal increases in one or more immunoglobulins. Measurement of these immunoglobulins aids in the diagnosis of abnormal protein metabolism and the body’s lack of ability to resist infectious agents.

Specific M Protein Reagent Immunoglobulin M (IgM Reagent) for Immunoglobulin M test (IgM test) Beckman Coulter OSR61173: Methodology

Immune complexes formed in solution scatter light in proportion to their size, shape and concentration. Turbidimeters measure the reduction of incidence light due to reflection, absorption or scatter. In the procedure, the decrease in intensity of light transmitted (increase in absorbance) through particles suspended in solution is the result of complexes formed during the antigen-antibody reaction.

Specific M Protein Reagent Immunoglobulin M (IgM Reagent) for Immunoglobulin M test (IgM test) Beckman Coulter OSR61173: System Information

For AU400/400e /480, AU600/640/640e /680 and AU2700/5400 Beckman Coulter Analyzers.

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• Data Sheet

What is IgM?

IgM is a particularly avid class of antibody, being a pentamer of five m protein IgG equivalents, with 10 Fab fragments and therefore 10 antigen-binding sites. Because IgM is formed early in the immune response and is later replaced by m protein IgG, specific antibodies of the IgM class are diagnostic of recent (or chronic) infection. IgM is the first immunoglobulin found in the fetus as it develops immunological competency in the second half of pregnancy. Since IgM does not cross the placenta from mother to fetus, the presence of IgM antibodies against a particular virus in a newborn is indicative of intrauterine viral infection.

General Characteristics of Specific M Protein Reagent Immunoglobulin M (IgM Reagent) Beckman Coulter OSR61173 Molecules

Beckman Coulter OSR61173 Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is a high molecular weight m protein immunoglobulin protein (macroglobulin), consisting of five or rarely of six subunits (IgM monomers). Like m protein IgG molecules, the IgM monomers are composed of two heavy and two light chains, which are linked together by disulfide bridges. The IgM monomers are found at a low concentration in human serum. Each pentameric IgM molecule is composed of 10 heavy (μ) chains, 10 light chains and usually one joining (J) chain (Metzger, 1970).

The B cells can also secrete functionally active IgM hexamers lacking J chains but the amount of hexamers in serum is no more than 5% of total IgM (Brewer et al., 1994). The carbohydrate content of IgM is high, about 12%. A pentameric IgM molecule has 10-antigen combining sites and can bind 10 small antigens (haptens).

However, due to steric restrictions, only five large antigen molecules can be bound by one IgM molecule. The antibody activity of IgM is destroyed upon reduction of the intersubunit disulfide linkages. Such a reduction can easily be achieved with very low concentrations of reducing agents, such as dithiothreitol or mercaptoethanol.

What is an immunoglobulins blood test?

This test measures the amount of immunoglobulins in your blood. Immunoglobulins are also called antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes to fight germs, such as viruses and bacteria. When you’re exposed to germs, your body makes unique antibodies that are specifically designed to destroy only those germs.

An immunoglobulins test usually measures three main types of immunoglobulin (Ig) antibodies that do different jobs to protect your health:

• IgM antibodies are the first immunoglobulins your body makes after you’re exposed to germs. They provide short-term protection while your body makes other antibodies. IgM antibodies are in your blood and lymph fluid (a watery fluid that carries the cells that fight infections and diseases to all parts of your body).
• IgG antibodies are very important for fighting infections from bacteria and viruses. Most of the immunoglobulins in your blood are IgG. You also have some IgG antibodies in all your body fluids. Your body keeps a “blueprint” of all the IgG antibodies you have made. That way, if you’re exposed to the same germs again, your immune system can quickly make more antibodies.
• IgA antibodies protect your respiratory tract (the organs you use to breathe) and your digestive system (the organs you use to eat and digest food) from infections. You have IgA antibodies in your blood, saliva, and gastric “juices.”