Description: This Simplex Kit does not require an additional Basic Kit. All reagents needed are included to run this assay.
Antibodies are soluble immunoglobulins (Ig) produced by plasma cells in response to an immunogen and are critically involved in the immune response. Each immunoglobulin actually binds to a specific antigenic determinant (epitope).
All immunoglobulins have a four chain structure as their basic unit. They are composed of two identical light chains (lambda or kappa; 23kD) and two identical heavy chains (alpha, delta, gamma, epsilon or mu; 50-70kD) connected by disulfide bonds.
Based on the differences in the amino acid sequences in the constant region (Fc-part) of the heavy chains the immunoglobulins can be divided into five different classes: IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD and IgE.
IgE antibodies play a fundamental role in allergic reactions, binding with high affinity to FceRI that are found primarily on mast cells and basophils which recognise allergens such as pollen, venoms, fungus, spores, dust mites or pet dander and release vasoactive amines like histamine into surrounding tissue. Vasodilatation and increases small vessel permeability causes fluid to escape from capillaries into the tissues, which leads to the characteristical symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Studies have shown that conditions such as asthma, rhinitis, eczema, urticaria, dermatitis, and some parasitic infections lead to increased IgE levels. Low levels of IgE can occur in a rare inherited disease that affects muscle coordination (ataxia-telangiectasia).
Mouse studies are an important mode of research regarding the mechanisms and treatment of allergic responses, and quantification of IgE levels is an important testing parameter.
