Description_x000D_ General description_x000D_ Immunoglobulin M (IgM) has a high molecular weight and belongs to the immunoglobulin family. It exists as a pentamer in the serum. Monomeric IgM has a molecular weight of 190kDa. The pentameric IgM consists of ten μ-heavy chains, ten light chains and a single J-chain which are linked by disulphide bonds. The μ-chain consists of five domains- VH, Cμ1, Cμ2, Cμ3 and Cμ4. Limited digestion using papain cleaves the antibody into three fragments, two of which are identical and contain the antigen-binding activity. They are known as Fragment antigen binding (Fab) fragments. The third fragment does not possess antigen-binding activity and is known as fragment crystallizable (Fc). It interacts with cells and effector molecules. The heavy chains of IgM contain an extra C domain that replaces the hinge region present between Fab and Fc. IgM is the first antibody to be produced during an immune response and is the major isotype secreted in T-cell independent immune responses._x000D_ Specificity_x000D_ This product was prepared from monospecific antiserum by immunoaffinity chromatography using antigens coupled to agarose beads followed by solid phase adsorption(s) to remove any unwanted reactivities. Assay by immunoelectrophoresis resulted in a single precipitin arc against Anti-Peroxidase, Anti-Rabbit Serum, Rat IgM and Rat Serum. No reaction was observed against Rat IgA or Rat IgG. ELISA was used to confirm specificity at less than 1% cross reactivity against other rat heavy or light chain isotypes._x000D_ Immunogen_x000D_ Rat IgM mu heavy chain_x000D_ Physical form_x000D_ Supplied in 0.02 M Potassium Phosphate, 0.15 M Sodium Chloride, pH 7.2 with 10 mg/mL Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) - Immunoglobulin and Protease free_x000D_ Reconstitution_x000D_ Reconstitute with 1.0 mL deionized water (or equivalent)._x000D_ Disclaimer_x000D_ Unless otherwise stated in our catalog or other company documentation accompanying the product(s), our products are intended for research use only and are not to be used for any other purpose, which includes but is not limited to, unauthorized commercial uses, in vitro diagnostic uses, ex vivo or in vivo therapeutic uses or any type of consumption or application to humans or animals._x000D_ Physical properties_x000D_ Antibody format: IgG