What is Gamma Globulin? Function + Interpretation

What is Gamma Globulin?

Gamma Globulin is a major class of immunoglobulins found in the blood, including many of the most common antibodies circulating in the blood.

The gamma globulin band consists of 5 immunoglobulins:

1. 80% is immunoglobulin G (IgG)
2. 15% is immunoglobulin A (IgA)
3. 5% is immunoglobulin M (IgM)
4. 0.2% is immunoglobulin D (IgD)
5. A trace is immunoglobulin E (IgE)

In order to remember which immunoglobulins the gamma globulin band consists of, just remember the word: G.A.M.E.D.

Gamma Globulin is a somewhat ambiguous term that still remains in common usage despite attempts to substitute ‘immunoglobulin’ in its place.

What are immunoglobulins?

Immunoglobulins function as antibodies in the immune response.

– IgG (fights bacterial & viral infections)

– IgA (protects places mucous membranes – mouth, nose, lungs, intestines and saliva and tears)

– IgM (first antibody made by the body to fight a new infection)

– IgE (responsible for immunity to parasites and allergic reactions)

– IgD (scientists are still discovering it’s function – one theory is it signals activation of B Cells in immune response)

Reference Ranges:

IgG:

• 0-<5 months: 100-334 mg/dL
• 5-<9 months: 164-588 mg/dL
• 9-<15 months: 246-904 mg/dL
• 15-<24 months: 313-1,170 mg/dL
• 2-<4 years: 295-1,156 mg/dL
• 4-<7 years: 386-1,470 mg/dL
• 7-<10 years: 462-1,682 mg/dL
• 10-<13 years: 503-1,719 mg/dL
• 13-<16 years: 509-1,580 mg/dL
• 16-<18 years: 487-1,327 mg/dL
• > or =18 years: 767-1,590 mg/dL

IgA:

• 0-<5 months: 7-37 mg/dL
• 5-<9 months: 16-50 mg/dL
• 9-<15 months: 27-66 mg/dL
• 15-<24 months: 36-79 mg/dL
• 2-<4 years: 27-246 mg/dL
• 4-<7 years: 29-256 mg/dL
• 7-<10 years: 34-274 mg/dL
• 10-<13 years: 42-295 mg/dL
• 13-<16 years: 52-319 mg/dL
• 16-<18 years: 60-337 mg/dL
• > or =18 years: 61-356 mg/dL

IgM:

• 0-<5 months: 26-122 mg/dL
• 5-<9 months: 32-132 mg/dL
• 9-<15 months: 40-143 mg/dL
• 15-<24 months: 46-152 mg/dL
• 2-<4 years: 37-184 mg/dL
• 4-<7 years: 37-224 mg/dL
• 7-<10 years: 38-251 mg/dL
• 10-<13 years: 41-255 mg/dL
• 13-<16 years: 45-244 mg/dL
• 16-<18 years: 49-201 mg/dL
• > or =18 years: 37-286 mg/dL

References:

What is a Globulin Test? https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003544.htm

Disclaimer:

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