NetNews Usenet Archive 1992 #27/NN_1992_27.iso/spool/sci/med/21437

Text File | 1992-11-24 | 1.7 KB | 38 lines

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From: [e-mail] (Dr. M.C. Diffin)
Subject: Re: Low IgM - What does it mean
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Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1992 00:34:30 GMT
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JM>What would be the effect of consistently low (1/2 min norm) levels of
JM>Immunoglobin-M? Are there any known negative effects? Any treatment if so?

IgM varies between 0.5 and 2.0 g/l in the healthy adult, so I assume you mean
about 0.25g/l.  Given the wide normal variation, I do not
think (in the absence of other data) that this constitutes a clinical
problem.  Primary IgM deficiencies are rare anyway, and not usually
associated with recurrent infections or other problems as IgG and IgA
usually compensate.  Remember that IgM is phylogenetically
the oldest antibody, its most important functions being to
act as the B cell receptor, to 'lead' the primary ab response and to fix
complement.  IgG is a much better general purpose serum antibody.

However, hypogammaglobulinaemia occurs with chronic lymphocytic
leukaemia (CLL) and IgM is often the first class to be affected.  Here
the presentation often includes persistent or recurrent chest infections
Also, I believe evidence exists that in some infections T cells
suppress the production of IgM, but I don't know if this is confirmed
(or significant).
--
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Michael Diffin
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