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Studies on IgE in human intestinal fluids.
International Archives of Allergy and Applied Immunology
|January 1, 1976
Summary
Researchers identified a 40,000 MW fragment of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in human intestinal fluid. This enzyme-resistant fragment suggests IgE is secreted and degraded in the gut by pancreatic enzymes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Immunoglobulin E (IgE) plays a role in allergic reactions and immune responses.
- The presence and fate of IgE within the human small intestine are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of IgE fragments in human small intestinal fluid.
- To determine the origin and degradation pathway of IgE in the intestinal lumen.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay was used to detect IgE fragments.
- Gel filtration chromatography was employed for fractionation of intestinal fluid.
- Enzymatic digestion with trypsin and chymotrypsin was performed on myeloma protein.
Main Results:
- A fragment of IgE with a molecular weight of approximately 40,000 was identified in human small intestinal fluid.
- Digestion of IgE myeloma protein yielded a similar molecular weight degradation product, rich in epsilon 1 determinants.
- The degradation product was resistant to further enzymatic breakdown.
Conclusions:
- IgE is likely secreted into the intestinal lumen.
- Pancreatic proteolytic enzymes, such as trypsin and chymotrypsin, degrade IgE in the intestine.
- An enzyme-resistant fragment, likely from the amino-terminal Fc region, is produced during this degradation process.