Immunoglobulin M

In adult serum, Immunoglobulin M (IgM) accounts for 5-10 percent of the total serum immunoglobulins. Deficiency of IgM may be due to protein loss, primary inherited defects, toxins (e.g., drugs or substances retained in renal failure), or lymphoid malignancies. Polyclonal increase in serum IgM is normal in response to infections. IgM tends to predominate in primary viral infections and blood stream infections (e.g., malaria). IgM is also markedly increased in primary biliary cirrhosis. In intrauterine infections, fetal production of IgM increases and at birth the cord blood IgM level is increased. Monoclonal increase in serum IgM occurs in Waldenstr?ms macroglobulinemia and in monoclonal cryoglobulinemias.

Swiss-Prot Accession Number: P01871