IMMUNOLOGY OF CLINICALLY INACTIVE SARCOIDOSIS - SERUM FACTORS

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 47  (1) , 28-31
Abstract
Sera from 84 white patients with inactive sarcoidosis were analyzed for Ig, complement (C), autoantibodies, .alpha.1-antitrypsin and lysozyme. The levels of serum factors were compared with levels in serum from a reference population which was matched for age, sex, ethnic background and geographic location. IgG, IgA, IgD and C3 levels were similar for both groups, as were frequencies of rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibody and anti-DNA antibody. Lysozyme levels were significantly lower in the inactive sarcoidosis group; the acute phase reactants .alpha.1-antitrypsin, IgM and complement consumption were increased. The underlying etiological events of sarcoidosis probably continue, albeit at a subclinical level.