In vivo Behaviour of Gamma Globulin Preparations¹

Abstract

Metabolic properties of standard gamma globulin (St-GG) and of several gamma globulin (GG) preparations for intravenous use were analyzed in radioactive tracer studies. The in vivo behaviour of St-GG was investigated in 16 probands and found to be comparable to that of normal IgG. The kinetics of the resorption of St-GG from intramuscular deposits, its elimination from the intravascular compartment and from the body were studied in 2 probands. Metabolic properties of GG preparations for intravenous use were compared with those of St-GG in 3-4 probands after simultaneous injection of 125I- and 131I-labelled tracer doses. Important differences in the half-times of intravascular survival, in the rates of catabolism and in the distribution in the body were noticed for most of the preparations for intravenous use except for an improved acid-treated (pH 4) GG, the in vivo behaviour of which was similar to that of St-GG.

Discrepancy between Effects of in vivo and in vitro Administration of Gammaglobulin on Phagocytic Killing of <i>Streptococcus pneumonia</i><i>e</i> in an Antibody-Deficient Serum

“…At that time, relevant concentrations of anticapsular antibodies were not found in serum. Low levels of antibodies were detectable 2 and 5 days after the injection, as observed in other studies, where peak values in serum following intramuscular admin istration of gammaglobulin were reached after 3-5 days [27,28], At day 24 after the injection no pneumo coccal antibodies were found but opsonization was still increased. The improved in vivo effect by these low antibody levels is in disagreement with our results found in vitro by addition of gammaglobulin or heatinactivated control serum to the dysgammaglobulin émie serum.…”

Dissociation of aggregated IgG and denaturation of monomeric IgG by acid treatment.

“…The biological half-life of acid treated IgG (pH 4) was similar to that of IgG, but those of sulfonated and 3-propiolactone treated ones were shorter than that of the above two (Morell et al 1980). These in vivo results also suggest that acid treatment at pH 3.8-4.0 does not alter the properties of human IgG.…”

Usefulness of a low‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin regimen for the treatment of thrombocytopenia associated with AIDS

“…Initially, high doses of IVIg for HIV-Thr were successfully used in five-or two-day courses [24,29,34]. Because the half life of IVIg preparations range from 15 to 58 days [49,50], we thought that weekly infusions might maintain adequate plasma levels of Ig. IVIg is effective as a longterm approach to avoid the risk of hemorrhage and also to delay splenectomy [51].…”