gamma globulin

(noun)

a class of proteins in the blood, identified by their position after serum protein electrophoresis, such as antibodies

Related Terms

Examples of gamma globulin in the following topics:

  • Artificial Immunity

    • Artificially-acquired passive immunity is an immediate, but short-term immunization provided by the injection of antibodies, such as gamma globulin, that are not produced by the recipient's cells.

  • Radiation

    • The gamma radiation is emitted from a radioisotope (usually cobalt-60 or cesium-137).
    • Sterilization by irradiation with gamma rays may, in some cases affect material properties.
    • Electron beams use an on-off technology and provide a much higher dosing rate than gamma or x-rays.
    • A limitation is that electron beams are less penetrating than either gamma or x-rays.
    • Irradiation with X-rays or gamma rays does not make materials radioactive.

  • Superantigens

    • More importantly, the large number of activated T-cells secretes large amounts of cytokines, the most important of which is Interferon gamma.
    • This excess amount of IFN-gamma is in turn what activates the macrophages.

  • Tetanus

    • To combat the effects of the toxin, tetanus immune globulin (TIG) antitoxin can be given to the patient.

  • The Complement System

    • They account for about 5% of the globulin fraction of blood serum.

  • Botulism

    • The only drug currently available to treat infant botulism is Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous-Human (BIG-IV or BabyBIG).

  • Macrophages

    • Most macrophages express high levels of interferon-gamma, a mechanism through which antigen presentation and T cell activation is enhanced.

  • Natural Passive Immunity

    • In addition to the IgA and IgG, human milk also contains: oligosaccharides and mucins that adhere to bacteria and viruses to interfere with their attachment to host cells; lactoferrin to bind iron and make it unavailable to most bacteria; B12 binding protein to deprive bacteria of needed vitamin B12; bifidus factor that promotes the growth of Lactobacillus bifidus, normal flora in the gastrointestinal tract of infants that crowds out harmful bacteria; fibronectin that increases the antimicrobial activity of macrophages and helps repair tissue damage from infection in the gastrointestinal tract; gamma-interferon, a cytokine that enhances the activity of certain immune cells; hormones and growth factors that stimulate the baby's gastrointestinal tract to mature faster and be less susceptible to infection; and lysozyme to break down peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls.

  • Phagocyte Migration and Phagocytosis

    • But, during an infection, they receive chemical signals—usually interferon gamma—which increases their production of MHC II molecules and which prepares them for presenting antigens.

  • Regulatory T Cells

    • Interleukin 2 receptor is composed of three subunits (alpha, beta, and gamma).