Macroglobulin

A macroglobulin is a plasma globulin of high molecular weight.[1]

IgM, pictured, is an example of a macroglobulin. Another example is alpha-2 macroglobulin.

Elevated levels of macroglobulins (macroglobulinemia) may cause manifestations of excess blood viscosity (as is the case for IgM antibodies in Waldenström macroglobulinemia) and/or precipitate within blood vessels when temperature drops (as in cryoglobulinaemia).

Other macroglobulins include alpha-2 macroglobulin, which is elevated in nephrotic syndrome, diabetes, severe burns, and other conditions, while a deficiency is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.