Word: immunoglobulins
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: during 1990-1999
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...same species, the fertilization process begins. But when the grain lodges in the mucous membrane of a person susceptible to allergies, its protein message is heeded by the human immune system, which confuses it with a menacing invader. Alarmed, the system immediately begins churning out legions of IgE (for immunoglobulin E) antibodies, stationing them on "mast cells," which patrol the body's tissues...
...success rate is great, | around 90%." For dust mites, mold and animal dander, the results are more variable. But why the shots do -- and sometimes don't -- work remains a mystery. Medical researchers know, for instance, that administering the allergens directly into the bloodstream results in the production of immunoglobulin G, rather than IgE, antibodies. Does the presence of IgG block the IgE response? Or does the hair-of-the-dog procedure eventually desensitize key cells in the immune system to the offending allergen? No one knows...
...Anne Willoughby had a dilemma. She is the director of a study begun in 1988 to see if infusions of immunoglobulin (IG) in children infected with the AIDS virus could boost their weak immune systems and help stave off illness. An independent panel that had been monitoring the investigation informed Willoughby early this month that children receiving monthly doses of IG, a protein produced by the body's cells, were faring significantly better than those given a placebo. The youngsters had fewer bacterial infections and fewer hospitalizations. News of the advance in treatment could have enormous consequences...