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IgE stands for immunoglobulin E, one of the classes of immunoglobulins (also called antibodies) that are in the blood. The protective role of IgE is not clear.
The 'low', 'normal' and 'high' ranges vary with age, and are also lab-specific. However, a reasonable normal range is 0.002-0.2mg/dl.
Causes & Development
Low levels of IgE can occur in a rare inherited disease that affects muscle coordination (ataxia-telangiectasia). It is frequently increased in parasitic infestations and atopic individuals.
A high level of IgE can indicate a parasite infection. Also, high levels of IgE are found in people who have allergic reactions, asthma, atopic dermatitis, some types of cancer, and certain autoimmune diseases. Rarely, a high level of IgE may indicate IgE multiple myeloma.
Diagnosis & Tests
IgE myeloma is extremely rare and should be sought after abnormal protein electrophoresis (restriction) and/or abnormal kappa/lambda ratio unexplained by IgG, IgA, or IgM. The principal limitation of this test is the wide overlapping range of IgE values between atopic and nonatopic disease states. IgE is elevated 4-30 times normal in various diseases, among which atopic disorders and parasitic disorders are most prominent.
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GLOSSARY
Antibody (Antibodies)
A type of serum protein (globulin) synthesized by white blood cells of the lymphoid type in response to an antigenic (foreign substance) stimulus. Antibodies are complex substances formed to neutralize or destroy these antigens in the blood. Antibody activity normally fights infection but can be damaging in allergies and a group of diseases that are called autoimmune diseases.
Asthma (Asthmatic)
A lung disorder marked by attacks of breathing difficulty, wheezing, coughing, and thick mucus coming from the lungs. The episodes may be triggered by breathing foreign substances (allergens) or pollutants, infection, vigorous exercise, or emotional stress. Extrinsic Asthma is triggered by pollen, chemicals or some other external agent; Intrinsic Asthma is triggered by boggy membranes, congested tissues, or other native causes… even adrenalin stress or exertion.
Atopic (Atopic Allergy)
Genetically predisposed toward developing immediate hypersensitivity reactions to common environmental allergens.
Autoimmune Disease (Autoimmune, Autoimmunity)
One of a large group of diseases in which the immune system turns against the body's own cells, tissues and organs, leading to chronic and often deadly conditions. Examples include multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, Bright's disease and diabetes.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Deciliter (dL)
0.1 or one tenth of a liter.
Dermatitis
A general term used to refer to eruptions or rashes on the skin.
IgE (Immunoglobulin E)
Immunoglobulin E is a type of antibody produced by IgE plasma cells. These are specialized B-cell lymphocytes that make free-floating antibodies for what is termed humoral resistance. IgE is not made to be specific against only one antigen, like other gamma globulins, but instead can bind with a number of dangerous proteins. IgE travels to mast cells, sticks to their surfaces, and when antigens get stuck to the IgE, the mast cells secrete inflammatory compounds such as histamine. Since IgE is a generalist, coded for a number of potential toxins, it can decide for example that grass pollen and cat dander are antigens... and you have an allergy. Elevated production of IgE is often inherited, which is why allergies run in a family.
Immunoglobulin A (IgA)
Supports mucosal immunity.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Parasite (Parasites, Parasitic, Parasitical)
An organism living in or on another organism.
Protein (Proteins)
Compounds composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen present in the body and in foods that form complex combinations of amino acids. Protein is essential for life and is used for growth and repair. Foods that supply the body with protein include animal products, grains, legumes, and vegetables. Proteins from animal sources contain the essential amino acids. Proteins are changed to amino acids in the body.
Last updated: Sep 28, 2008
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