[Seasonal changes in various immunological parameters in patients with hay fever]

In 25 subjects with pollinosis the following parameters were assessed three times annually (early spring, pollen seasons, autumn): serum IgE levels and allergen specific IgE (asIgE), T lymphocyte subpopulation in peripheral blood. In selected patients allergen specific IgG-4 levels were calculated. All serum parameters were assessed using the FAST enzymatic methods (3M Diagnostic Systems). Lymphocyte subpopulations were assessed using the monoclonal antibodies (Ortho Diagnostic System). During the pollen seasons a statistically significant increase of serum IgE, asIgE and T suppressor cells was found. The CD4/CD8 ratio during this period was decreased, caused by stable level of T helper cells. In the 4 patients the levels of asIgG-4 did not change although the initial levels were elevated.