Abstract
By immunoelectrophoresis at least three immunoglobulins, IgG, IgA and IgM can be recognized but quantitative determination of each immunoglobulin has been hampered by methodological difficulties. Recently, however, Fahey and McKelvey described in details an antibody-agar plate method for this purpose. While the author was following their method, it was found that less antiserum was required by spreading gntiserum on the agar plate than by mixing it with the agar at 56°C. The mixing method required two or three 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±3.9mg/ml, 3.6±0.68mg/ml and 1.3±0.37mg/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. As for immunoglobulin concentration in other conditions, further studies seem to be required to conclude anything definite.
