Studies on IgG subclass antibodies in asthmatics with late asthmatic responses
Part 1. Serum antigen-specific IgG subclass antibodies in asthmatics with late asthmatic response
1992 Volume 104 Issue 7-8 Pages 797-807
Details
1992 Volume 104 Issue 7-8 Pages 797-807
The immediate asthmatic response is mainly induced by IgE-dependent mechanisms. However, the late asthmatic response (LAR) is induced by inhalation of antigens without the participation of antigen-specific IgE antibodies in some asthmatics, especially in intractable asthma induced by Candida antigen. To elucidate the relationship between antibodies and those bronchial responses, the antigen-specific IgG subclass antibodies in sera from asthmatics were measured and compared with IgE antibody.
The avidin-biotin ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) method was established for the measurement of specific IgG and IgG subclass antibodies to mite or Candida antigen.
Serum levels of IgG and IgG1 antibodies to mite and Candida antigen in bronchial asthmatics were significantly higher than those in healthy subjects (p<0.01).
Bronchial asthmatics who were tested with inhalation of house dust or Candida antigen were divided into group A (higher levels of serum IgG1 antibody) and group B (lower levels of serum IgG1 antibody). The percentages of LAR including DAR after inhalation of house dust antigen in group A were significantly higher than those in group B (p<0.01). The percentages of LAR and LAR including DAR after inhalation of Candida antigen in group A were significantly higher than those in group B (p<0.01).
Serum levels of antigen-specific IgG and IgG1 antibodies in asthmatics with LAR after inhalation of house dust or Candida antigen were significantly higher than those in asthmatics with IAR or non-responders (p<0.01).
The serum level of specific IgE antibody to these antigens in asthmatics with LAR after inhalation of house dust or Candida antigen was slightly lower than that in the asthmatics without LAR, though the difference was not significant.
These findings suggest that high serum levels of specific IgG and IgG1 antibodies to adequate antigens play a role in inducing an attack in asthmatics with LAR.
