Serum IgE levels and reaginic-type skin reactions in sarcoidosis

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in sera of eighty-four patients with sarcoidosis and fifty-one apparently healthy controls were measured by means of a radioimmunosorbent test (RIST). A significant decrease in IgE level was commonly seen in patients with sarcoidosis. In some patients, a typical isolated IgE deficiency was noted. In a group of patients with significantly low serum IgE levels, reduced immune responsiveness affecting the IgE class was suggested from the study on reaginic-type skin reactions. The implication of these findings with respect to the immunology and etiology of sarcoidosis is discussed.