ADVERSE REACTIONS FOLLOWING ADMINISTRATION OF HUMAN GAMMA GLOBULIN

The commercial preparation of human gamma globulin results in a degree of denaturation of the product leading to formation of γG-globulin aggregates. The aggregates possess biologic and antigenic properties not found in native 7S γG-globulin. These properties include in vivo histamine release and the capacity to induce formation of antiaggregate isoantibodies. These isoantibodies have specificities directed toward antigenic determinants newly revealed or formed as a result of the aggregation process which are not found in native 7S γG-globulin. Other isoantibodies with specificities directed toward genetically determined antigenic determinants present on monomeric γG-globulin molecules have been found in the circulation of individuals who have received injections of commercial gamma globulin. Consideration of these factors may provide some understanding of the nature of the increasing number of adverse reactions following gamma globulin administration that have been observed and dictate re-examination of the indications for its use. © 1969.