In vivo Behaviour of Gamma Globulin Preparations1

Abstract

Metabolic properties of standard [human] .gamma.-globulin (St-GG) and of several .gamma.-globulin (GG) preparations for i.v. use were analyzed in radioactive tracer studies. The in vivo behavior of St-GG was investigated in 16 probands and was comparable to that of normal IgG. The kinetics of the resorption of St-GG from i.m. deposits, its elimination from the intravascular compartment and from the body were studied in 2 probands. Metabolic properties of GG preparations for i.v. use were compared with those of St-GG in 3-4 probands after simultaneous injection of 125I- and 131I-labeled tracer doses. Important differences in the half-times of intravascular survival, in the rates of catabolism and in the distribution in the body were noticed for most of the preparations for i.v. use except for an improved acid-treated (pH 4) GG, the in vivo behavior of which was similar to that of St-GG.