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Immunoglobulins in heroin users
American Journal of Epidemiology
|January 1, 1980
Summary
Heroin use in Vietnam veterans showed elevated immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in intravenous users, and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in non-parenteral users. Rheumatoid factor was absent, suggesting contaminants cause its elevation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Heroin use, particularly among soldiers in Vietnam, presented unique challenges for research due to the availability of unadulterated drugs.
- Previous studies on heroin users often involved adulterated substances, potentially confounding immunological findings.
- Understanding the immunological effects of pure heroin is crucial for differentiating drug-specific effects from those caused by contaminants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM, IgA) levels and rheumatoid factor presence in intravenous and non-parenteral heroin users.
- To explore potential correlations between specific immunoglobulin elevations and modes of heroin administration.
- To test the hypothesis that contaminants, rather than the drug itself or liver disease, influence immunological markers like rheumatoid factor.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 80 US soldiers serving in Vietnam, categorized as intravenous or non-parenteral heroin users, were analyzed.
- Concentrations of IgG, IgM, and IgA were quantified.
- The presence of rheumatoid factor was assessed in all participants.
- Statistical comparisons were made between heroin users and control groups.
Main Results:
- Intravenous heroin users exhibited significantly elevated IgM and IgG levels compared to controls.
- Non-parenteral heroin users showed significantly elevated IgA levels compared to controls.
- Rheumatoid factor was not detected in either group of heroin users.
- Elevated IgM was hypothesized to result from bacterial contamination, not liver disease.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests that elevated IgM in heroin users may stem from bacterial or other contaminants, independent of liver disease.
- Increased IgA in non-parenteral users is postulated to indicate local antibody synthesis.
- The absence of rheumatoid factor supports the theory that excipients or contaminants, not pure heroin, are responsible for its presence in other studies.