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IgG (Immunoglobulin G).

This is a protein in the blood produced by B lymphocytes (CD19+). It is an antibody that is present primarily in the lymph system. It is produced by IgM (Immunoglobulin) that resides in the blood. One IgM produces five IgG antibody molecules in a balanced system. It is a Y shaped molecule consisting of two heavy and two light chains, each having variable and constant regions. The variable regions determine the fit with the antigen that initiated the response like a key- in -lock situation.

IL (Interleukin).

This is a generic term for cytokines produced by white blood cells when they are activated and in the process of killing or rejecting something such as an embryo, a kidney transplant or an infection. CD3-IL2 Receptor + cells are T cells in the process of rejection in the body. They should be below 5% of the total T cells in the immunophenotype testing.

Immunization.

This is synonymous with vaccination. A substance is introduced by injection (measles) that then stimulates an immunity response with the formation of antibodies to measles. These antibodies protect the person against getting the infection. Immunization occurs naturally during a successful pregnancy. The woman immunizes herself against her husband's HLA antigens, and she produces blocking antibodies that protect and aid in the growth of the placenta. Women with recurrent pregnancy losses fail to produce these protective antibodies because they are too similar to their husbands. Immunization (vaccination) with paternal or donor lymphocytes corrects this problem and results in subsequent live born babies when a pregnancy is established.

Immunoglobulin class.

There are five different classes or families of antibodies (immunoglobulins). IgM is the first antibody produced when an immune response is initiated. It lives in the blood system. IgG lives in the lymphatic system and is made by IgM. IgA lives in the organs and protects them. IgD which is present as a memory antibody in the blood once a person is immune or immunized. IgE is the antibody that causes allergies and asthma. It is present throughout the body.

In vitro fertilization (IVF).

This is a method of assisted reproduction that involves combining an egg with a sperm in a laboratory dish. If the egg fertilizes and begins to divide, the resulting embryo is transferred back into the woman's uterus where it will hopefully implant and develop. IVF may be performed in conjunction with medications that stimulate the ovaries to produce many eggs in order to increase the chances of successful fertilization and implantation. IVF bypasses the fallopian tubes and is often the treatment needed by women whose tubes are surgically removed or tied.

Intradermal.

Within the top layer of skin. An intradermal injection is one that the medication or the substance such as the white blood cells used in the immunization is placed within the top layers of skin, like a mosquito bite.

IVIg (Intravenous Immunoglobulin G Infusion).

This gamma globulin preparation is made just like Rhogam, the gamma globulin that is given to Rh negative women during pregnancy. It is made from pooled blood that is washed and processed (it comes out clear in the end). It takes approximately 2-4 hours to administer in the vein.