Influence of aging and sex on specific IgE antibody production

The influence of aging and sex on specific IgE production was evaluated in a non-allergic population aged from 18 to 99 years. Specific IgE against mite antigen and Japanese cedar pollen (JCP) were measured by fluorescence enzyme immunoassay. The incidence and titer of positive anti-mite and anti-JCP IgE antibodies decreased with age, particularly in the aged group. There were slight sex-related changes in IgE production. No significant correlation was noted between anti-mite and anti-JCP IgE antibody levels in the same individual subjects. These findings suggest that the production of specific IgE, as an immunoglobulin class, declines with aging.