The E (IgE) class immunoglobulins contain 2 types of polypeptide chains, thier molecular weight is about 200.000 Da and they bind to the surfaces of mast cells and basophil granulocytes. The binding of allergens
The E (IgE) class immunoglobulins contain 2 types of polypeptide chains, thier molecular weight is about 200.000 Da and they bind to the surfaces of mast cells and basophil granulocytes. The binding of allergens to the IgE bound to the cells causes the release of histamine and other vasoactive substances with a consequent series of events known as allergic reaction.
It was demonstrated that most of the patients with atopic allergic pathologies, such as atopic asthma, atopic dermatitis and hay fever, show an increase of the IgE levels in their blood.
Those individuals with no allergies present widely variable concentrations; they generally increase during childhood, reaching the typical adults levels in the second decade of life.
The measuring of total IgE concentrations is important during the first investigation of childhood allergies and as a diagnostic instrument to foresee future atopic outbreaks. A significant increase can be detected not only in allergic patients, but also in case of IgE myeloma, pulmonary aspergillosis and during the active stage of parasitic infections. Increased IgE levels are detected in case of hypergammaglobulinaemia, ulcerative colitis, hepatitis, cancer and malaria.
