IMMUNOGLOBULIN LEVELS IN BRONCHOALVEOLAR LAVAGE FLUID FROM PIGEON-BREEDERS

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  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 96  (1) , 129-140
Abstract
Serum and BAL [bronchoalveolar lavage] fluid immunoglobulin [Ig] levels in individuals with PBD [pigeon breeder''s disease] and in asymptomatic but similarly exposed pigeon breeders were analyzed by immunofluorometric assays. The group with PBD have significantly higher levels of IgG and IgA in their BAL fluids, but IgM levels were not significantly different in the 2 groups. These differences were not reflected in the serum Ig levels of the 2 groups. The elevated BAL fluid IgG levels in individuals with PBD is associated with an increase in IgG4 subclass levels as determined PHA [phytohemagglutinin] inhibition. A role for this subclass in the pathogenesis of the disease is suggested.