INTRAFAMILIAL CORRELATION ANALYSIS FOR IGM SERUM LEVELS

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 29  (6) , 571-574
Abstract
The Ig[immunoglobulin]M serum level was determined in the members of 29 healthy families. The IgM mean concentrations between fathers and mothers and between sons and daughters were significantly different (P < .01), with higher serum IgM levels in females than in males. Simple linear regression analysis was done for the following intrafamilial combinations: son-father, daughter-father, son-mother, and daughter-mother. Significant correlation coefficients (P < .05) were obtained in all 4 combinations, which does not support the X-linked gene hypothesis (i.e., that the X chromosome carries quantitative genes for IgM). An alternative explanation for the differences between sexes for IgM serum concentration is considered.