Affiliations: Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ehime University, Shigenobu, Onsen-gun, Ehime, 791-02, Japan
Note: [1] A tribute to late Professor Bun-ichi Tamamushi.
Note: [*] Present address: Department of Health Science, Joetsu University of Education, Joetsu, Niigata 943, Japan.
Note: [] Accepted by: Editor E. Fukada
Abstract: Using a rheoscope, combined with a TV image analyzer and a computer, the effects of immunoglobulins and IgG-fragments on the process of human erythrocyte aggregation were determined. The immunoglobulins accelerated the aggregation; the effect increased with their molecular weight, i.e., IgG ≃ γ-globulin < IgA < IgM. An empirical relationship, expressing the dependence on the immunoglobulin concentrations, was proposed. F(ab′)2-fragment accelerated the aggregation, more effectively than IgG, while Fab- and Fc-fragments did not. Therefore, two Fab-portions are presumably needed to form the aggregates, and the flexibility between two Fab-portions may be important. A case of multiple myeloma showed an increased aggregation, due to the increased myeloma protein.
