Analysis of immunoglobulin G kinetics in the non-steady state

The effect of specific intravascular IgG depletion on IgG catabolism, generation, and intrabody transfer has been studied in rabbits. In contrast to previous studies, the radiolabeled IgG kinetics were analyzed in the non-steady state. A two-pool model was used to determine IgG distribution, catabolism, generation, and intrabody mass transfer after intravenous injection of 125I-IgG. Circulating IgG was then specifically removed by plasma perfusion through a Protein-A Sepharose column in an extracorporeal circuit. Based on the two-pool analysis, IgG catabolic clearance fell after IgG removal (1.0 ml/hr vs. 0.7 ml/hr), and mean generation rate was unchanged. Plasma levels rose 20 hours after IgG removal as a result equally of contributions from intrabody transfer and of generation. Model parameters from plasma 125I decay analysis overestimated plasma 125I levels in the first 24 hours after removal, although predicted endogenous levels corresponded well with experimental results over a 7-day period. Rapid intravenous infusion of a 7% body weight volume of saline solution during IgG removal resulted in 50% greater plasma levels of 125I-IgG 24 hours after removal. This indicated that an increased lymphatic flow had occurred, resulting in increased IgG transfer from the extravascular to the intravascular space. The two-pool model adequately describes circulating IgG levels after specific IgG removal. Catabolic clearance was found to be a function of IgG level, whereas generation does not appear to be similarly dependent. Both the two-pool model and saline infusion procedure may be applied directly to the planning and optimization of plasma exchange therapy regimens in human autoimmune disease.