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immunoglobulin M
(redirected from Immunoglobulin mu-chains)

    Also found in: Encyclopedia, Wikipedia 0.03 sec.
immunoglobulin M
n. Abbr. IgM
The class of antibodies found in circulating body fluids and the first antibodies to appear in response to an initial exposure to an antigen.
immunoglobulin M (IgM),
one of the five classes of antibodies produced by the body and the largest in molecular structure. It is found in circulating fluids and is the first immunoglobulin produced when the body is challenged by antigens. IgM triggers the increased production of immunoglobulin G and the complement fixation required for effective immune response. It is the dominant antibody in ABO blood group incompatibilities. The normal concentration of IgM in serum is 40 to 120 mg/dL. Compare immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin D, immunoglobulin E, immunoglobulin G.


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