What is "macroglobulin"

n. A plasma globulin of high molecular weight

A macroglobulin is a plasma globulin of high molecular weight.

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.