Study of immunoglobulins in pleura and pleural effusions.

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Abstract
The protein concentration of 35 [human] pleural effusions was compared with that in the serum. The ratio of pleural and serum concentration of albumin, Ig[immunoglobulin]G, IgA and IgM was always below unity and appeared to have no diagnostic value. The ratio of the concentration of these proteins was inversely related to their MW. The underlying mechanism in malignant and inflammatory effusions appeared similar and was in keeping with a diffusion process. Immunofluorescent staining of the pleura suggested intercellular passage of the proteins through the mesothelial barrier.