[Determination of immunoglobulins in the aged. Normal range and changes in pathological conditions]

Serum IgA, IgG and IgM values in 238 normal aged subjects were compared with those in 100 normal adults. Both male and female aged subjects displayed a significant rise in IgA and a significant fall in IgM, whereas IgG values were not markedly different. It was found that IgA increased and IgM decrease by an average of 12 mg % and 10 mg % (17 mg % in the aged) per decade respectively. Values were also determines in 597 aged hospital patients and related to the disease for which they were admitted. Increases in all three Igs were noted in sclerotic cardiopathy, chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency, acute broncopneumopathy (IgA increase only in chronic forms), and gastroduodenal ulcer. Diverticulosis of the colon and acute pancreatitis, however, were accompanied by elevated IgA values only. Increases were particularly marked in chronic liver disease, less so in diseases of the gallbladder. Neoplasia was usually accompanied by higher Ig levels.