title: Immunoglobulins and hyposensitization for allergy.
abstract: The premise that protracted stimulation of the human immune system might be involved in the induction of malignant immunocytopathies is scrutinized. Studies of the serum immunoglobulins of 313 patients who had been hyposensitized for allergy are compared with those of 138 nonallergic and 189 allergic individuals not subjected to this therapy. Critical historical data in all groups are also evaluated. The investigators concluded that, as far as the parameters studied, there were significant differences in the mean total immunoglobulin G levels in allergic hyposensitized persons compared with the non-allergic control group. It involved a depression of the serum IgG concentration and related to the length of the desensitization program and to whether it was continuous or interrupted. One evolving monoclonal immunocytopathy, etiology of which has not been established, was encountered during the period of study.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000628:therapy*; D007122:Immunoelectrophoresis; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D007136:Immunoglobulins