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immunoglobulin E
(redirected from Immunoglobulin epsilon-chains)

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia 0.01 sec.
immunoglobulin E
n. Abbr. IgE
The class of antibodies produced in the lungs, skin, and mucous membranes and responsible for allergic reactions.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)
A type of protein in blood plasma that acts as an antibody to activate allergic reactions. About 50% of patients with allergic disorders have increased IgE levels in their blood serum.

immunoglobulin E (IgE),
one of the five classes of antibodies produced by the body. It is concentrated in the lungs, skin, and mucous membranes. It provides the primary defense against environmental antigens and is believed to be responsive to immunoglobulin A. IgE reacts with certain antigens to trigger the release of chemical mediators that cause anaphylactic hypersensitivity reactions characterized by wheal and flare. The normal concentration of IgE in serum is 0.01 to 0.04 mg/dL. Compare immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin D, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M.


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