Complement and immunoglobulin levels in Ilorin Nigeria, and environ

The levels of complement components C3 and C4 were determined in EDTA (ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid) plasma of 106 apparently healthy people aged 11-50 years, and in 23 paired maternal and cord plasma in Ilorin. The immunoglobulins G,A and M concentrations of these paired samples were also assayed. Furthermore, serum IgG, IgA and IgM levels were quantitated in 501 apparently healthy residents of Ilorin (1-84 years old, n = 313) and its suburban community, Shao (11-80 years old, n = 188). Generally, there were no significant sex-related differences in C3 and C4 values, but these values increased steadily with age. C3 and C4 levels in cord plasma were high, representing 73% and 88% of adult levels respectively. Maternal levels of these complement components were higher (P < 0.02) than values obtained in non-pregnant females of comparable age. Immunoglobulin G values obtained for maternal and cord samples compare well with figures reported previously from other centres in Nigeria. Only 1 of 23 IgA and 2 of 23 IgM samples showed detectable values of these immunoglobulins in cord blood. The mean concentrations of immunoglobulins obtained were similar for IgG and lower for IgA and IgM in Ilorin, but higher for IgG and lower for IgA and IgM in Shao, when compared with data reported from Enugu and Zaria--both in Nigeria. Shao showed significantly higher mean level of IgG but similar levels of IgA and IgM to values obtained in Ilorin. Generally, IgG and IgA concentrations rose gradually up to age group 31-40 and 41-50 years respectively; and then declined. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)