Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

immunoglobulin D
A class of immunoglobulins
found in small amounts in the body, whose exact
function is not clear.
immunoglobulin E
A class of immunoglobulins
that includes the antibodies that are important in an
allergic response. Abbreviated IgE. A person who
has an allergy often has elevated blood levels of IgE.
IgE antibodies attack and engage the invading army
of allergens.
immunoglobulin G
A class of immunoglobulins
found in all body fluids. They are the smallest but
most common antibodies (75 percent to 80 per-
cent) in the body. Abbreviated IgG. IgG antibodies
are very important in fighting bacterial and viral
infections. IgG antibodies are the only type of anti-
body that can cross the placenta in a pregnant
woman to help the fetus.
immunoglobulin M
A class of immunoglobulins
found in blood and lymph fluid that are the first type
of antibody made in response to an infection.
Abbreviated IgM. IgM antibodies make up about 5
percent to 10 percent of all the antibodies in the
body.
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immunoglobulin M
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immunohistochemistry
A laboratory test to
identify, under the microscope, particular chemi-
cals or proteins in tissues or cells by attaching them
to specific antibodies which, in turn, are linked to
fluorescent dye or enzyme markers for visualization.
For example, immunohistochemistry is used by
pathologists in the diagnosis of cancers and other
conditions.
immunologist
A physician or another degreed
professional who is knowledgeable about
immunology.
immunology
The study of all aspects of the
immune system, including its structure and func-
tion, disorders of the immune system, blood bank-
ing, immunization, and organ transplantation.