SERUM LEVELS OF IMMUNE GLOBULINS IN HEALTH AND DISEASE: A SURVEY

Abstract

Immune globulins in sera of normal persons of various ages were quantitated by a radial diffusion technique; the levels changed considerably with age, especially during early infancy. Adult levels (γG 1158 ± 305, γM 99 ± 27, and γA 200 ± 61 mg/100 ml) generally were attained by 16 years of age. In all specimens of umbilical cord serum the level of γG was similar to that of adult serum and a trace quantity of γM (mean 10 mg/100 ml) was present; in one-third there was a trace amount of γA-globulin. The level of γM increased rapidly after birth but synthesis of γG and, especially, γA was delayed. Because of these normal alterations, it is recommended that specimens of serum be compared with those of age-matched control subjects for optimal evaluation. There was significant elevation of levels of γG-, γA-, and total γ-globulins, and diminution of that of γM in the serum of mongols over 10 years of age. The diminution of γM may be implicated in the poor response of mongols to immunizing antigens and the increased susceptibility of such patients to infections. Mongols may have a genetic instability of immune globulin synthesis analogous to their abnormality of leukopoiesis. Patients with sex chromosome abnormalities or trisomy 18 syndrome had normal levels of immune globulins, whereas those with neutropenia had elevated levels of all immune globulins. Abnormal levels determined in 12 cases of antibody deficiency diseases are presented.