Rat Immunoglobulin M, IgM ELI

Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is one of several isotypes of antibody (also known as immunoglobulin) that are produced by vertebrates.

IgM is the largest antibody, and it is the first antibody to appear in the response to initial exposure to an antigen.

In the case of humans and other mammals that have been studied, the spleen, where plasmablasts responsible for antibody production reside, is the major site of specific IgM production.