A preliminary report on a study of serum alpha-1-antitrypsin and immunoglobulin levels in lepromatous leprosy.
IgG, IgA, and IgM immunoglobulins and alpha-1-antitrypsin globulin in sera from 30 patients with lepromatous leprosy were determined and compared with 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Mean levels of IgG, IgM, IgA, and alpha-1-antitrypsin were significantly elevated in the sera of lepromatous leprosy patients in comparison with levels found in normal subjects. Statistical analysis of the relationships between levels of alpha-1-antitrypsin and immunoglobulins in the sera of lepromatous leprosy patients and controls revealed no correlation. It is therefore concluded that factors responsible for concentrations of immunoglobulins and alpha-1-antitrypsin are independent of each other in patients with lepromatous leprosy.
D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis*; D007918:Leprosy / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin / Q000032:analysis*
D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin