Quantitative Determination of Serum Immunoglobulins in Various Diseases

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Abstract
Immunoelectrophoresis reveals at least 3 immunoglobulins, IgG, IgA and IgM, but quantitative determination of each immunoglobulin was hampered. It was found that less antiserum was required for the Fahey and McKelvey method by spreading antiserum on the agar plate than by mixing it with the agar at 56 degrees C. The mixing method required 2 or 3 times the amount of antiserum needed for the spreading method. By the antibody-agar plate method normal serum IgG, IgA and IgM value were calculated as 18.5[plus or minus]3.9 mg/ml, 3.6 [plus or minus] 0.68 mg/ml and 1.3 [plus or minus] 0. 37 mg/ml, respectively. These normal values for IgG and for IgA are higher than those reported by Fahey and McKelvey. The serum IgG, IgA and IgM concentration in various diseases were examined and compared with the total protein concentration. The immunoglobulin levels were not necessarily related to the total protein levels. There was characteristic increase of IgG with decrease of IgA and IgM in G multiple myeloma. All immunoglobulins tended to be decreased in cases under long-term steroid treatment.