Medicine Word Today

Immunoglobulin A: A major class of immunoglobulins found in serum and external body secretions such as saliva, tears, and sweat as well as in the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and genitourinary tracts. Abbreviated IgA.

Immunoglobulin G: Abbreviated IgG. A major class of immunoglobulins found in the blood, including many of the most common antibodies circulating in the blood. Also known as gamma globulin.

Immunoglobulin: A protein produced by plasma cells and lymphocytes and characteristic of these types of cells. Immunoglobulins play an essential role in the body's immune system. They attach to foreign substances, such as bacteria, and assist in destro...

Intravenous immunoglobulin: A sterile solution of concentrated antibodies extracted from healthy people that is given straight into a vein. It is used to treat disorders of the immune system, or to boost immune response to serious illness. Abbr...

Immunoglobulin M: Abbreviated IgM. A major class of immunoglobulins. IgM includes the antibodies that are usually produced first in an immune response and are later replaced by other types of antibodies.

Immunoglobulin E: Abbreviated IgE. A class of immunoglobulins that includes the antibodies elicited by an allergic substance (allergen). A person who has an allergy usually has elevated blood levels of IgE. IgE antibodies attack and engage the invading...

Immunoglobulin D: Abbreviated IgD. A class of immunoglobulins found as antibodies on the surface of B cells (B lymphocytes). Almost nothing is known about the normal function of IgD.

Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI): A form of immunoglobulin G (IgG) that can bind to thyrotropin (TSH) receptors on the thyroid gland. TSIs mimic the action of TSH, causing excess secretion of thyroxine and triiodothyronine. The TSI level ...