Serum immunoglobulin

Immunotoxicity. The data in humans are limited to a few studies of immune function in lead workers and a study of firearm instructors. In both type of studies, inhalation is assumed to be the primary route of exposure. One study reported significant suppression of IgA levels (Ewers et al. 1982). Another study indicated that serum immunoglobulin levels were not significantly altered (Alomran and Shleamoon 1988). Another large study examined several parameters of immune function (serum immunoglobulins, PHA response, and natural killer cell activity) and found no differences in exposed workers and controls (Kimber et al. 1986b). The study of firearm instructors found functional impairment of cell-mediated immunity in subjects with PbB levels >25 pg/dL (Fischbein et al. 1993). A recent study that evaluated a... 

Ewers U, Stiller-Winkler R, ldel H. 1982. Serum immunoglobulin, complement C3, and salivary IgA level in lead workers. Environ Res 29 351-357. 

Williams, D.J. and Behnke, J.M. (1983) Host protective antibodies and serum immunoglobulin isotypes in mice chronically infected or repeatedly immunized with the nematode parasite Nematospiroides dubius. Immunology 48, 37—17. 

BW) Throughout gestation Reduced growth and altered serum immunoglobulins of progeny some deaths 7... 

Barnett, J.B., J.M. Spyker-Cranmer, D.L. Avery, and A.M. Haberman. 1980. Immunocompetence over the lifespan of mice exposed in utero to carbofuran or diazinon I. Changes in serum immunoglobulin concentrations. Jour. Environ. Pathol. Toxicol. 4(5 6) 53-63. 

Positive serum immunoglobulin M anti-hepatitis A virus. 

Sarasua, S.M. et al., Serum immunoglobulins and lymphocyte subset distribution in children and adults living in communities assessed for lead and cadmium exposure, J. Toxicol. Environ. Health 60, 1, 2000. 

IgA has a short half-life in serum (6 days) and comprises about 12-20% of the total serum immunoglobulins. However, because of its presence in bodily fluids, it is the most abundant immunoglobulin present in the body. It comprises three constant domains, and neutrophils, monocytes and some other immune cells possess receptors for IgA (FcaR). Neither of the two IgA subclasses, IgAi and IgA2, can fix complement via the classical pathway. Instead, these antibodies neutralise antigens at mucosal surfaces, in the absence of complement fixation (which would be pro-inflammatory), and the neutralised antigens are cleared. 

Normal Values of Serum Immunoglobulin Levels in Subtropical and Tropical... 

With the introduction of specific immunochemical assay methods for the quantitation of the individual immunoglobulins, more detailed results have become available. Tables 1 and lA show the wide range of normal values for the serum immunoglobulin concentrations for different populations. 

In an extensive study of 819 apparently healthy American subjects, age range 1 year to 92 years, the authors noted that socioeconomic rather than genetic differences could account for the differences of immunoglobulin values which they have attributed to race (BIO). Thus, white males had 37.9% less IgG (P < 0.0001) and 18.7% less IgA (P = 0.0105) than black males, whereas serum IgM concentration in black and white males were not significantly different. White females had 23.5% less IgG (P < 0.0001), 14.9% less IgA (P = 0.029), and 38.8% more IgM (P = 0.004) than black females. Their results confirm that there are significant differences in serum immunoglobulin levels related to the sex of the individuals as well as to the socioeconomic factors. Bantu females were observed to possess higher serum IgM levels than their male counterparts (SIO). 

A pronounced fluctuation of serum immunoglobulin concentrations in maternal blood occurs around term, and in some women the serum IgG concentration may decrease by as much as 20% or more at the time of delivery and between week 34 and week 36 of gestation (M15). 

Results from two different groups of children reveal that the serum immunoglobulin levels in children with marasmus are not significantly different from those with kwashiorkor. Sixteen marasmic infants free from all signs of apparent kwashiorkor but all having gastrointestinal disturbances or respiratory infections had immunoglobulin levels as fol-... 

Fig. 5. Distribution of serum immunoglobulins in children with kwashiorkor (Bl) and age-matched controls ( ). (A) IgG (B) IgA (C) IgM.

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