Pharmacology

IVIg preparations are derived from a large pool of human donors. They contain IgG antibodies against a wide spectrum of normal human proteins and anti-idiotypic directed against Fab, the antigen-binding region of these antibodies. The larger the pool of donors, the higher the number of the Fab dimeric paris and the wider the expected spectrum of idiotypic-anti-idiotypic specificities. Preparations of IVIg also contain immunomodulating peptides like soluble CD4, CD8, and human leukocyte antigen molecules, and antibodies against exogenous antigens, viruses, and bacteria.

Following the intravenous infusion of IgG, the patient's serum IgG level increases fivefold, and then diminishes to the pretreatment level. The apparent initial decrease reflects extravascular redistribution. The IgG in the infusion easily enters the cerebrospinal fluid.

Medicine has its office, it does its share and does it well; but without hope back of it, its forces are crippled and only the physician's verdict can create that hope when the facts refuse to create it.

- Mark Twain -