title: Low molecular weight IgM. Detection using immunoblotting.
abstract: Two techniques for the definitive identification of low molecular weight (LMW) IgM have been compared, namely, filtration chromatography combined with nephelometry and a modified immunoblotting assay. The results indicate that the latter is a more sensitive and reliable technique. Furthermore the resolution of immunoblotting is such that it can distinguish additional oligomeric forms of IgM as well as monomeric IgM suggesting a disorder of polymerization of pentameric IgM. As the presence of LMW IgM in the sera of patients with various disorders is of prognostic significance the immunoblot technique merits consideration as a useful screening assay to detect this moiety.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Harries
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Beckman
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Roberts-Thomson
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000276:immunology; D002850:Chromatography, Gel; D006801:Humans; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis*; D007163:Immunosorbent Techniques; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000276:immunology; D008970:Molecular Weight; D008258:Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D007075:Immunoglobulin M